At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in manufacturing processes and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Thales, a global tech leader shaping the future with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Earn £24,000 per year, enjoy flexible working, and receive comprehensive training.
- Other info: Enjoy 201 hours of holiday, health benefits, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a Level 3 apprenticeship and secure a permanent role.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 including English and Maths required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust.
Start Date: Monday 6 September 2027
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee Type: Permanent
Location: Templecombe
Working Schedule: 37 hours per week on site (8 hours Monday - Thursday). Year 1 Monday – Friday 37 hours a week, moving to 4-day week when 18 years of age after year 1 is complete.
Turn your curiosity into a career. If you’re passionate about manufacturing, eager to learn, and looking for a level 3 apprenticeship that blends academic study with hands-on experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits of the programme:
- Earn a salary while studying for your apprenticeship
- Gain hands-on experience in a real working environment
- Receive job-specific training and development
- Achieve a recognised qualification
- Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
- Tuition fees for the approved training providers are fully covered
About the Role:
Our Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship in Templecombe is a brilliant chance to learn how our business works from the ground up. You’ll gain real insight into the different areas of manufacturing—supporting you whether you want to build your future in manufacturing or explore a different path within Thales. You’ll rotate through a range of placements, so you can try different roles, discover what you enjoy most, and find where your strengths really shine.
You’ll also develop essential manufacturing skills, including:
- Assembly Techniques
- Wiring and Looming
- Soldering
- ESD Safety
You’ll also be provided with the equipment and software you need to succeed while working across Thales.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the assembly, testing, and inspection of manufacturing components and sub-assemblies.
- Support daily production activities and the setup, operation, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment.
- Learn to read and interpret technical drawings, engineering specifications, and work instructions.
- Adhere strictly to UK health and safety regulations and company safety policies.
- Carry out quality control checks to ensure products meet industry and company standards.
- Maintain accurate production records and report faults or issues promptly.
- Participate fully in apprenticeship training modules and qualifications (e.g., BTEC, NVQ or equivalent).
- Collaborate with team members to solve manufacturing and process challenges.
Apprenticeship Programme:
As a Manufacturing Apprentice, you will enrol onto a Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Apprenticeship at Yeovil College over a 3.5-year duration. Delivered via a day release delivery model, you will complete your academic studies at college each week and then come back to the workplace to apply what you have learned. The End Point Assessment will consist of a work-based project report and a professional discussion. Upon completion of the programme, you will have achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technologies, plus a Level 3 apprenticeship qualification.
Entry Requirements:
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths
Benefits:
- Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum
- Performance-related pay uplifts
- Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a company day and bank holidays)
- Contributory Company Pension
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Hybrid/flexible working options
- Employee assistance programme
- Learning and development support
- Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
- Life Cover
- 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years)
Thales Apprentice Recruitment Process:
- Apply Online - submit your application online to register your interest.
- Upload Your CV
- Check Your Emails for the Invitation to Apply
- Complete Your Application
- Complete Online Tests
- Virtual Assessment Centre
- Job Offer
For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate, or an Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr.
Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2027. Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.
Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59 pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027.
Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2027 with details of next steps.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.
Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements. To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity, and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all.
2027 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Engineering Manufacturing SupportTechnician Apprenticeship in Templecombe employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Glasgow where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a performance-related bonus and generous leave policies, and a commitment to inclusivity, Thales empowers its employees to thrive while contributing to critical projects in the Sea sector. Join us to be part of a team that values your unique strengths and supports your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2027 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Engineering Manufacturing SupportTechnician Apprenticeship in Templecombe
✨Dive into Local Manufacturing Events
Get yourself out there and check out local manufacturing expos or trade shows! These events are gold mines for networking and can put you in touch with potential employers like Thales. Plus, you might discover companies that are looking for apprentices directly.
✨Join Apprenticeship Networks
Look for local apprenticeship networks and community forums focused on manufacturing. Engaging in these spaces can lead you to hidden opportunities and advice from others who’ve been in your shoes — they might have inside info on which companies are hiring apprentices!
✨Reach Out Directly to Companies
Don't shy away from reaching out! If you have specific companies in mind like Thales, shoot them an email or give them a call to inquire about potential apprenticeship opportunities. Sometimes, they might not have openings posted, but they’re always keen to meet passionate candidates!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're studying, tap into your college’s career services for leads on manufacturing apprenticeships. They often have connections with local businesses and can help you polish your application to stand out. And remember, applying through our website can give you a leg up on the competition for positions at Thales!
We think you need these skills to ace 2027 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Engineering Manufacturing SupportTechnician Apprenticeship in Templecombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production sector, we want to see your hands-on skills. Make sure your CV lists any relevant technical abilities or tools you’ve worked with, like machinery or software specific to production processes. This is your chance to shine a light on any experience you already have, even if it’s just in class or through a hobby!
Highlight Your Commitment to Learning:As this is an apprenticeship, emphasising your eagerness to learn is crucial! In your cover letter, mention specific areas of manufacturing you're excited to learn about, and why you're passionate about joining Thales. Show us you’re ready to dive into the practical world of production!
Include Relevant Qualifications:List any qualifications or certifications related to manufacturing—think health and safety, technical courses, or even basic engineering principles. It can help set you apart from others and show you come prepared and informed about the industry standards!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your documents are straightforward and relevant. Focus on your most pertinent experiences and avoid clutter. Remember, humility goes a long way—if you've worked on projects, even in a school setting, don’t hesitate to include those to reflect your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Get Hands-On with Machinery
Since you're eyeing an apprenticeship in manufacturing-production, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the tools and machinery related to the role. We should brush up on our basic mechanical skills and be ready to talk about any hands-on experiences we've had, like school projects or part-time work that involved manual tasks.
✨Show Your Understanding of Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, so be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to the industry. We can expect questions focusing on how to maintain a safe working environment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard awareness—making sure we articulate our understanding can really impress the interviewers at Thales.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for enthusiasm and the willingness to absorb knowledge. Let’s be prepared to discuss how we’ve approached learning new skills in the past, showing we’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with this exciting opportunity at Thales.
✨Research Typical Production Processes
It might help us to know a thing or two about basic manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, quality control checks, and production scheduling. We could bring examples of these processes from our research or coursework to showcase our interest and understanding of the field during the interview.