Mechanical Engineer Apprentice

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.

Start Date:

6 September 2027

Salary: £24,000 per annum

Employee type:
Permanent

Location:

Templecombe

Working

Schedule:

Monday
- Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday
- Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you like to know how things work and are interested in engineering? Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through a degree, whilst providing valuable and exciting on-the-job experience within a global, innovative and industry-leading organisation? If so, read on to see what Thales has to offer...

• Earn a salary while studying for your degree
• Gain hands-on experience in a real engineering environment
• Receive job-specific training and development
• Achieve a recognised engineering qualification
• Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
• Have your university tuition fees fully paid

As a Mechanical Engineer at Thales in Templecombe, you'll be part of a team developing advanced underwater naval systems used by the UK Ministry of Defence and customers around the world. You'll help design, test and improve cutting-edge defence technology while having the opportunity to shape the role around your strengths and career interests.

• Designing mechanical parts and systems using CAD software
• Packaging of electronics and associated cabling
• Designing equipment that can be installed on military platforms
• Producing manufacturing and assembly drawings for production teams
• Understanding factors such as stress, shock and vibration when designing products
• Building and testing prototypes during product development
• Helping qualify products for use in demanding operational environments
• Applying design-for-manufacture principles to create practical and efficient solutions

• Advanced CAD design techniques and best practices
• How electronic and mechanical systems are integrated into complex products
• Engineering design principles for defence and naval applications
• How to create professional manufacturing and assembly drawings
• The effects of stress, vibration and shock on engineering designs
• Product testing, environmental qualification and validation processes
• Prototype building and hands-on development skills
• Design for manufacture principles to improve product quality and efficiency
• How defence products are developed for the Ministry of Defence and international customers
• Team working and problem-solving skills within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment

You'll work towards a Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Nottingham while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace.

The programme lasts five years and combines:

• On-campus learning (approx. 4 weeks per academic year)
• Online study
• Practical, work-based learning

Throughout the programme, you'll develop both your technical knowledge and practical engineering skills.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship and End Point Assessment, you'll achieve:

• A fully funded BEng (Hons) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering
• A Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship qualification.

• 3 A Levels (BBB) including Mathematics…