Manufacturing Level 3 Apprenticeship – Engineering Manufacturing Support Technician

About the role

Turn your curiosity into a career! 🚀 Are you 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 you study for your apprenticeship 💰
• Gain real-world, hands-on experience 🛠️
• Receive specialised job training and development 📈
• Achieve a recognised qualification 🎉
• Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship ✅
• Tuition fees fully covered by us! 📚

About the Role:

Our Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship in Templecombe is a brilliant opportunity to learn how our business operates from the ground up. You’ll gain genuine insight into different manufacturing areas, supporting you whether you want to build your future in manufacturing or explore another path within Thales. You’ll rotate through various placements, allowing you to try different roles, discover what you enjoy most, and find where your strengths truly shine. ✨

You’ll 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 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.
• Strictly adhere 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 model, you'll complete your academic studies at college each week and then return to the workplace to apply what you've learned. The End Point Assessment will consist of a work-based project report and a professional discussion. Upon completion, 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:

1. Apply Online: Submit your application to register your interest. You only need to register for one role as you'll have the chance to apply for more later.

2. Upload Your CV.

3. Check Your Emails: Look for an invitation to apply from recruiting@jobalerts.thalesgroup.com. 📧

4. Complete Your Application: Follow the link in the email. You can apply for one primary role and up to 3 additional roles.

5. Complete Online Tests: Undertake assessments designed to evaluate your suitability.

6. Virtual Assessment Centre: If you progress, you'll attend a virtual assessment centre with group exercises and competency-based interviews.

7. Job Offer: Successful candidates will receive a job offer from Thales.

For more info on our Future Talent recruitment, check out Thales Future Talent - Connectr.

Please note: Assessment centres will be held between February - May 2027. Induction week is Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.

Closing Date: Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027. We encourage you to apply ASAP as roles may close earlier if we receive a high number of applications! ⏰

Security Requirements:

Due to the nature of our work, all roles are subject to security requirements. You must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks (BPSS and SC clearance) before starting. To be eligible for SC clearance, you typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. For this specific role supporting a UK Eyes Only programme, you must be a British citizen from birth with no other nationalities. This is a UK Government requirement for programme access. 🇬🇧

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.

Skills