Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician

2026 Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician

Location:

Templecombe, United Kingdom
Company:
Thales

Start Date:

07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type:
Permanent
Working schedule: 37 hours per week on site (8 hours Monday‑Thursday). In Year 1 Monday‑Friday; 4‑day week after 18 years of age.

You will learn the key skills required for working in manufacturing areas – assembly techniques, wiring and loom work, soldering and ESD safety. You will receive all the relevant equipment and software needed to work throughout Thales. Over the three‑year programme you will rotate through different placements to gain experience across various manufacturing departments and gain knowledge that will be invaluable whether you choose to stay in manufacturing or move into a different function.

• Earn while you learn
• Job‑specific training experience
• Industry‑recognised qualifications
• Permanent role from day one
• Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered

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. Day‑release delivery means you study at college each week and then work at the site to apply what you have learned. The end‑point assessment consists 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.

• 5 GCSEs grade 9‑4 (A‑C) including English and Maths
• Permanent right to work in the UK and be able to undertake Government security clearance at BPSS level, followed by full Security Clearance (SC) in line with United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements. Eligibility for full SC generally requires residence in the UK for the last 5 years.

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Life Insurance
• Discount Portal
• Performance‑related pay uplifts
• 80 hours of volunteering (first two years)

Final date to receive applications: 11:59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. Applications close at this time; please apply as soon as possible.

Thales is an equal‑opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. We provide a barrier‑free recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, and support for candidates with disabilities or long‑term conditions.