Manufacturing Engineering Internship; A-Level Students

Manufacturing Engineering Internship (A-Level Students)
The Opportunity

Finished your A-Levels and considering your options?

Our Manufacturing Engineering Internship offers an alternative pathway into engineering, providing real-world experience at one of the UK’s most advanced precision engineering facilities while earning a competitive salary.

This 6-month paid programme gives you hands‑on experience with 5-axis CNC technology, dedicated mentoring, and genuine potential for a full-time career in aerospace manufacturing.

£27,000 per annum (pro-rata for 6 months)

Monday 5th October 2026

R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions.

Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state‑of‑the‑art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights‑out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO
9001, ISO
14001, and ISO
45001 certifications.

We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.

• Gain hands‑on experience with advanced 5-axis CNC machining processes
• Learn to develop efficient manufacturing methods for precision aerospace components
• Work with industry‑leading CAM software including hyperMILL
• Understand lean manufacturing principles and 5S practices
• Support manufacturing engineers on live customer projects
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience the full product lifecycle from enquiry to delivery
• Phase 1 (Months 1-3):
  Induction, shadowing, guided projects, building foundational skills
• Phase 1 Review:
  Assessment of progress and suitability for Phase 2
• Phase 2 (Months 4-6):
  Greater responsibility, independent projects, full team integration
• Final Assessment:
  Review with potential for full‑time job offer

• Recent A-Level leaver or equivalent (results not yet received applications welcome)
• Interest in STEM subjects, particularly maths, physics, or design technology
• Genuine enthusiasm for engineering and manufacturing
• Strong problem‑solving mindset and attention to detail
• Good communication skills and willingness to learn
• Proactive attitude and reliability

• Competitive salary of £27,000 per annum (pro‑rate)
• Dedicated mentor from day one
• Structured development programme
• Real project experience for your CV
• On‑site parking
• Potential pathway to full‑time employment

Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.