Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

Position: 2026 Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship
Location: Templecombe

Thales Templecombe, England, United Kingdom

Overview

The 2026 Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship offers a permanent role from day one, providing on‑the‑job training and industry‑recognised qualifications. You will work with our Towed Array business line, learning assembly techniques, wiring, soldering, and ESD safety, while progressing through a structured curriculum delivered in partnership with Yeovil College.

Key Details

• Start Date: 07 September 2026
• Salary: £24,000 per annum
• Employee type: Permanent
• Location: Templecombe
• Working
  
  Schedule:
  
  37 hours per week on site
  12‑hour shift Monday – Wednesday (days or nights) or Thursday – Saturday (days or nights).
  Year 1:
  Monday‑Friday 37 hours a week; after turning 18, transition to a 3‑day/12‑hour shift pattern.

What the role has to offer

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

Aprenti­ship Programme

Year 1 combines work and college: two days per week at Yeovil College and the remainder of the week on the job, following a set curriculum. Year 2 focuses on embedding skills through hands‑on instruction, culminating in an End Point Assessment. The programme lasts 12 months, plus an additional 6 months for the End Point Assessment.

Responsibilities

As a Manufacturing Apprentice you will:

• Learn and apply key manufacturing skills such as assembly, wire routing, locking, soldering, and ESD safety.
• Operate and maintain equipment and software required by the Thales workplace.
• Work with experienced technicians to support the Towed Array business line.
• Develop the competencies needed for a future career in manufacturing or related functions.

Qualifications

• 2 GCSEs grade 4 (D) or above, Maths and English
• Age 17 or above at start date (must be 18 by completion); working time legislation limits under‑18 workers to 8 hours at one time.

Benefits

• 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 volunteering (first two years)

Application Process & Closing Date

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February – May 2026.
Closing date: 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. Applications may close earlier if the role is filled.

Security Clearance

All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will undergo Government security clearance at BPSS level and subsequently obtain full Security Clearance (SC). SC clearance is required prior to commencing employment, unless already held. Full details can be found on the UKSV website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity, inclusion and accessibility are integral to our success. We provide reasonable adjustments for neuro‑diverse applicants and those with disabilities, and will support alternative formats upon request.

Legal Statement

Thales is an equal opportunities employer. We provide a barrier‑free recruitment process and reasonable adjustments for neuro‑diverse or disabled applicants. Contact Resourcing Ops for senior roles or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles for support or alternative formats.

#J-18808-Ljbffr