Manufacturing 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.

2027 Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 3 Engineering Manufacturing Support Technician Apprenticeship

Start Date: Monday 6 September 2027

Salary: £24,000 per annum

Employee Type: Permanent

Location: Templecombe

Working Schedule: 37 hours per week on site (8 hours Monday - Thursday). Year 1 Monday – Friday 37 hours a week, moving to 4-day week when 18 years of age after year 1 is complete

Turn your curiosity into a career. If you’re passionate about manufacturing, eager to learn, and looking for a level 3 apprenticeship that blends academic study with hands‑on experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits of the programme

• Earn a salary while studying for your apprenticeship
• Gain hands‑on experience in a real working environment
• Receive job‑specific training and development
• Achieve a recognised qualification
• Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship

• Tuition fees for the approved training providers are fully covered

About the Role

Our Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship in Templecombe is a brilliant chance to learn how our business works from the ground up. You’ll gain real insight into the different areas of manufacturing—supporting you whether you want to build your future in manufacturing or explore a different path within Thales.

You’ll rotate through a range of placements, so you can try different roles, discover what you enjoy most, and find where your strengths really shine.

You’ll also develop essential manufacturing skills, including:

• Assembly Techniques
• Wiring and Looming
• Soldering
• ESD Safety

You’ll also be provided with the equipment and software you need to succeed while working across Thales.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the assembly, testing, and inspection of manufacturing components and sub‑assemblies.
• Support daily production activities and the setup, operation, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment.
• Learn to read and interpret technical drawings, engineering specifications, and work instructions.
• Adhere strictly to UK health and safety regulations and company safety policies.
• Carry out quality control checks to ensure products meet industry and company standards.
• Maintain accurate production records and report faults or issues promptly.
• Participate fully in apprenticeship training modules and qualifications (e.g., BTEC, NVQ or equivalent).
• Collaborate with team members to solve manufacturing and process challenges.

Apprenticeship Programme

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. Delivered via a day release delivery model, you will complete your academic studies at college each week and then come back to the workplace to apply what you have learned.

The End Point Assessment will consist of a work‑based project report and a professional discussion.

Upon completion of the programme, you will have achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technologies, plus a Level 3 apprenticeship qualification.

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum
• Performance‑related pay uplifts
• Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Contributory Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan &lt