Manufacturing – Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship
Thales · South West · BA8 0DH
About the role
Turn your curiosity into a career! 🚀 Are you passionate about manufacturing, eager to learn, and looking for a Level 2 Manufacturing Apprenticeship that blends academic study with hands-on experience? We'd love to hear from you!
About the Role: ✨
Join our Level 2 Manufacturing Apprenticeship in Templecombe and build your future with Thales from the ground up. This is a fantastic starting point 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 completing the apprenticeship, you’ll become a valued part of the team on a 3-day shift pattern. 🛠️
What You Will Learn: 🧠
- Assembly techniques
- Wiring and looming
- Soldering
- ESD safety
You’ll be provided with the equipment and software you need to succeed across Thales.
Key Responsibilities: ✅
- Assist with the assembly, testing, and inspection of manufacturing components.
- Support production activities and the setup, operation, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment.
- Learn to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions.
- Adhere strictly to UK health and safety regulations.
- Carry out quality control checks to ensure products meet standards.
- Maintain accurate production records.
- Participate fully in apprenticeship training modules and qualifications.
- Collaborate with team members to solve manufacturing challenges.
Apprenticeship Programme: 🎓
Enrol onto a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship at Yeovil College, a 12-month programme plus a 6-month End Point Assessment period. This involves day release, combining classroom learning with hands-on application in the business. You'll achieve a Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations and an Engineering Operative Apprenticeship qualification.
Working Schedule: ⏰
- Year 1: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week.
- Post-Academic Year (Age 18+): 4-day week (9.25 hours per day).
- Post-Apprenticeship: Permanent role on a 3-day week (12.33-hour shifts), operating 24 hours a day, 6 days a week, including night shifts.
Benefits of the Programme: 🎉
- Earn a salary while you study 💰
- 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 🤝
- Fully covered tuition fees for approved training providers 💯
- Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum
- Performance-related pay uplifts
- Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus company day and bank holidays)
- Contributory Company Pension
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Employee assistance programme
- Learning and development support
- Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
- Life Cover
- 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years)
Entry Requirements: 📝
- 2 GCSEs grade 4 (D) or above in Maths and English.
- Minimum age of 17 at the point of commencing the apprenticeship (September 2027) due to shift working.
Security Requirements: 🔒
Due to the nature of our work, all roles are subject to security requirements, including BPSS screening and Security Clearance (SC). Applicants must be British citizens from birth for this specific programme. You will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years.
How to Apply: 🖱️
Apply online to register your interest. Please note that applications may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high number of applications, so apply ASAP!
Closing Date: 🗓️ Wednesday 17 February 2027 at 11:59pm.
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.