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 Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship
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…