2026 Assembly Technician Apprentice Level 3 Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Location: Crawley United KingdomIn fast changing markets customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each aerospace transportation defence security and space our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrows possible.Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK we research develop and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace Defence Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and thats why we offer you the flexibility to do whats important to you; whether thats part time hours job sharing home working or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.2026 Assembly Technician Apprentice - Level 3 Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician ApprenticeshipStart Date: 07 September 2026Salary: 24000 per annumEmployee type: PermanentLocation: CrawleyWorking Schedule: Monday Friday 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday Thursday 5 hours Friday)Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through your qualifications 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 offerWhat the role has to offer:Earn while you learnJob specific training experienceRecognised qualificationsPermanent role from day oneTuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully coveredWhat youll be doing:Through our Assembly Technician apprenticeship youll be making the most of your talents getting to understand the manufacturing function; and doing so with the help of one of the biggest and best names in the industry.The first few weeks will be spent in assembly learning the key skills throughout the shop floor; assembly techniques wiring and looming soldering and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) safety. You will be set up with all the relevant tooling and software needed to work throughout Thales.A rotation plan will start once you have completed your manufacturing key skills training where you will gain experience & knowledge in different manufacturing departments every 3 months. After the rotation plan you will have travelled around various departments on the shop floor including assembly & integration test repairs and fault finding.Over this time you will have learnt many different skills in Mechanical and Electrical criteria within accordance with IPC 610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) / 620 (Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies).You will become a key member of the team with technical knowledge and practical expertise in the use of both common and specialist tools and equipment including the use of a variety of measuring testing diagnostic aids/equipment and processes to ensure individual components assemblies and/or integrated systems meet the required specification.Apprentice Programme:As an Assembly Technician Apprentice you will be working towards a Level 3 apprenticeship following the Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician standard. For the duration of this 3-4 year programme you will be given one day per week in which to complete your studies with Crawley College. For the other 4 days you will be working in the business applying your learning and gaining a breadth of experience across the industry.Who were looking for:We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated committed and keen to learn. A self-starter who can manage their time show initiative and has a genuine interest in manufacturing and Thales. Successful candidates will show self-discipline and an aspiration to achieve the qualification.Requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and MathsBenefits:201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)Company PensionHealth Care Cash PlanLife InsuranceDiscount PortalPerformance-related pay uplifts80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)Please note assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2026. Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September - Friday 11 September 2026.Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026 this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps.PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.Recruitment Process: For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process including hints and tips or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team a Graduate or an Apprentice please visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr.Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales all our roles are subject to security restrictions.All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK andwill be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full SecurityClearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements below prior to starting with us. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held however if not currently held it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo achieve and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. To be eligible for full SC you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. As part of the vetting process you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity eligibility to work in the UK time spent abroad over the last 5 years as well as employment and / or educational history.For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.In line with Thales Baseline Security requirements candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles or the Early Careers Teamfor graduate and apprentice roles.Great journeys start here apply nowRequired Experience:IC Key Skills Crane,Hand Tools,Calipers,Basic Math,Mechanical Knowledge,Assembly Experience,Precision Measuring Instruments,Schematics,Heavy Lifting,Soldering,Power Tools,Manufacturing Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1