Manufacturing - Engineering Ni Level 3 Apprenticeship (level 2 En-route)

About the role

Turn your curiosity into a career! ✨ Thales Belfast is looking for passionate individuals ready to dive into manufacturing and engineering through our 3-year apprenticeship program. If you're eager to learn, love getting hands-on, and want to build a future with us, we want to hear from you! 🚀

What you'll be doing:

You'll be on our high-precision production lines, helping create top-notch components and assemblies. We'll teach you how to smash production standards, contribute to efficient manufacturing, and develop the skills to thrive in a fast-paced engineering environment. 🛠️

Your journey with us:

• Year 1: Get a solid foundation with rotations across different manufacturing areas, learning how to meet quality standards and production schedules.
• Year 2: Dive deeper with two six-month rotations in manufacturing.
• Year 3: Become an expert with a one-year specialism in areas like mechanical assembly, electrical assembly, or mechatronic assembly.

What you'll learn:

Expect to gain awesome technical knowledge and practical skills in:

• Pro engineering behaviours and industry best practices.
• Working in a high-performing, adaptable team.
• Understanding and using complex engineering systems.
• Reading engineering drawings and instructions.
• The whole manufacturing lifecycle and key engineering processes.
• Lean methodologies.
• Using manufacturing tools and methods.
• Smart problem-solving techniques.

Your qualification journey:

• Year 1: Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeship (NI) at South Eastern Regional College, working towards a Level 2 NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations.
• Years 2 & 3: Progress to a Level 3 Manufacturing or Mechatronic Apprenticeship, achieving a BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at South Eastern Regional College, and documenting your practical trade skills towards a Level 3 NVQ in Manufacturing Engineering.
• We use a blended learning approach: on-campus classes, virtual coaching, and online resources. 📚

Working Hours:

• Year 1: 37 hours per week on a 4.5-day week. Mon–Thu: 07:00–15:45 (8.25 hours/day), Fri: 08:00–12:00.
• Years 2 & 3: 37 hours per week on a 4-day week. Mon–Thu: 07:00–16:45 (9.25 hours/day).

Why join Thales?

• Earn a salary while you study! 💰
• Gain real-world experience in engineering.
• Get job-specific training and support for your personal growth.
• Achieve a recognised engineering qualification.
• Your tuition fees are fully covered! ✅
• Secure a permanent role from day one.
• Dedicated support from your Future Talent Manager.
• Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum.
• 201 hours holiday per year (plus company days & bank holidays) 🌴
• Contributory Company Pension.
• Health Care Cash Plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives.
• Life Cover.
• 80 hours of paid volunteering per year (first two years) 🤝

Entry Requirements:

• 5 GCSEs grades 9-4 (A-C), including English and Maths.
• You must have been a resident in Northern Ireland for the past 5 years.

Ready to apply? 👇

1. Apply Online to register your interest.

2. Upload your CV.

3. Keep an eye on your emails for the next steps.

4. Complete your full application.

5. Ace your online tests and virtual assessment centre.

6. Receive a job offer from Thales!

• Closing Date: Wednesday 17 February 2027 at 11:59 pm. Roles may close earlier, so apply ASAP! ⏳
• Assessment Centres: February - May 2027.
• Induction Week: Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.

*Please note: All roles are subject to security requirements. You'll need the right to work in the UK and be able to pass UK Government security checks.*

Key responsibilities

• Work on high-precision production lines.
• Support the delivery of high-quality components and assemblies.
• Contribute to efficient manufacturing processes.
• Perform safely and effectively in a fast-moving engineering environment.
• Undertake structured training and academic studies to achieve recognised engineering qualifications.

Skills