Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

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.

Your responsibilities may include:

• 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

During this role, you'll gain valuable experience across the full product development lifecycle while working with experienced engineers and advanced defence technologies.

You will learn:

• 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.

The programme is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers to support those who wish to apply for Chartered Engineer status later in their career.

To apply, you will need:

• 3 A Levels (BBB) including Mathematics (Citizenship Skills, General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted), Alternative Level 3 qualifications will be accepted, subject to passing a Maths assessment. Alternative Level 3 qualifications include Engineering and Manufacturing T Level (Merit), BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering discipline (MMD) or a preceding engineering apprenticeship
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