At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in manufacturing components and learn essential engineering skills.
- Company: Join Thales, a global tech leader shaping the future.
- Benefits: Earn £24,000, enjoy holidays, and receive full training support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and a recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English required; passion for manufacturing is a must.
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 (12.33 hours Monday - Wednesday days or nights or Thursday - Saturday days or nights). Year 1 - Monday - Friday 37 hours a week, moving to a 4-day week (9.25 hour) after completing your academic year at college when 18 years of age. Then after completing the apprenticeship start 3-day week (12.33-hour shifts).
Turn your curiosity into a career. If you’re passionate about manufacturing, eager to learn, and looking for an 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:
Join our Level 2 Manufacturing Apprenticeship in Templecombe and build your future with Thales from the ground up. This is a great start if you’re keen to learn practical skills, understand how manufacturing really works, and want a pathway that can lead to a long-term career - whether you stay in manufacturing or explore new opportunities within the business.
You’ll receive hands-on training focused on our Towed Array business line, and after you complete the apprenticeship, you’ll join one of the 4 shifts in the area—becoming a valued part of the team from day one.
What You Will Learn:
- 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. Please note that during the apprenticeship you will work a standard week of 37 hours Monday to Friday. Upon programme completion, you will roll off the scheme into a permanent role in the business and will move to a shift working pattern. This will be a 3-day week (either Monday to Wednesday, or Thursday to Saturday) and will consist of 12.33-hour shifts. These shifts operate 24 hours per day 6 days a week which include night shifts.
Due to the requirement of shift working applicants must be a minimum age of 17 at the point of commencing the apprenticeship September 2027.
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 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship at Yeovil College. The programme is 12 months in duration, plus 6 months for the End Point Assessment period. It will be delivered via a day release model whereby academic content is delivered in the classroom on set study days and then the rest of the time you will be working in the business and applying what you have learnt. At the end of the programme, you will have achieved a Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations, plus the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship qualification. The programme is delivered via a day release model at the Yeovil College campus.
Entry Requirements:
- 2 GCSEs grade 4 (D) or above, in Maths and English
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)
Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027, this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2027 with details of next steps.
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, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment. To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years, and your employment and/or education history.
In addition, this role supports a UK Eyes Only programme and is therefore subject to government-mandated nationality restrictions. To satisfy the security clearance requirements for access to highly sensitive information, applicants must have been British citizens from birth and must not hold any other nationality. This requirement is determined by the UK Government and is a condition of programme access rather than an employment preference.
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. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 2 Engineering Operative 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 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 2 Engineering Operative 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 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 2 Engineering Operative 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.
