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. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
2027 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Apprentice
Start Date: 6 September 2027
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Templecombe
Working Schedule: Monday - Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday - Thursday, 5 hours Friday)
Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you like to know how things work and are interested in engineering? Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through a degree, whilst providing valuable and exciting on-the-job experience within a global, innovative and industry-leading organisation? If so, read on to see what Thales has to offer...
Benefits of the programme:
- Earn a salary while studying for your degree
- Gain hands-on experience in a real engineering environment
- Receive job-specific training and development
- Achieve a recognised engineering qualification
- Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
- Have your university tuition fees fully paid
About the Role
As a Mechanical Engineer at Thales in Templecombe, you'll be part of a team developing advanced underwater naval systems used by the UK Ministry of Defence and customers around the world. You'll help design, test and improve cutting-edge defence technology while having the opportunity to shape the role around your strengths and career interests.
Your responsibilities may include :
- Designing mechanical parts and systems using CAD software
- Packaging of electronics and associated cabling
- Designing equipment that can be installed on military platforms
- Producing manufacturing and assembly drawings for production teams
- Understanding factors such as stress, shock and vibration when designing products
- Building and testing prototypes during product development
- Helping qualify products for use in demanding operational environments
- Applying design-for-manufacture principles to create practical and efficient solutions
What You Will Learn
- Advanced CAD design techniques and best practices
- How electronic and mechanical systems are integrated into complex products
- Engineering design principles for defence and naval applications
- How to create professional manufacturing and assembly drawings
- The effects of stress, vibration and shock on engineering designs
- Product testing, environmental qualification and validation processes
- Prototype building and hands-on development skills
- Design for manufacture principles to improve product quality and efficiency
- How defence products are developed for the Ministry of Defence and international customers
- Teamworking and problem-solving skills within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment
Apprenticeship Programme
You'll work towards a Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Nottingham while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace.
The programme lasts five years and combines:
- On-campus learning (approx. 4 weeks per academic year)
- Online study
- Practical, work-based learning
Throughout the programme, you'll develop both your technical knowledge and practical engineering skills.
On successful completion of the apprenticeship and End Point Assessment, you'll achieve:
- A fully funded BEng (Hons) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering
- A Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship qualification.
Entry Requirements:
- 3 A Levels (BBB) including Mathematics (Citizenship Skills, General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted), Alternative Level 3 qualifications will be accepted, subject to passing a Maths assessment. Alternative Level 3 qualifications include Engineering and Manufacturing T Level (Merit), BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering discipline (MMD) or a preceding engineering apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths
Please note that applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme.
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
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2027 Mechanical Engineer Apprentice 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.
