2026 Procurement Apprentice - Level 3 Business Administration, Level 4 Procurement and Supply
Thales Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Location: Belfast, United Kingdom.
Start Date: 07 September 2026.
Salary: £24,000 per annum.
Employee type: Permanent.
Working Schedule: 37 hours a week, Monday – Thursday 8 hours a day, Friday 5 hours.
In 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 other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's 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 that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s 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.
What the role has to offer
* Practical learning and hands‑on experience in tactical buying and procurement.
* Opportunity to support cost‑saving initiatives and efficient purchasing decisions.
* Exposure to supplier management and maintaining positive supplier relationships.
* Training in core procurement processes and procedures.
* Experience in purchase order creation and management.
* Developing customer service skills by supporting internal stakeholders.
* Building confidence in problem‑solving within supply‑chain operations.
* Experience in contract administration and the basics of procurement law.
* Collaboration with a centralised UK team on supply‑chain activities.
* Support in developing skills in responsible and sustainable procurement.
* Introduction to risk identification and management in the procurement context.
* Real prospects for growth and development within the procurement profession.
Description of role
As an Apprentice Tactical Buyer, you will become a valued member of our UK centralised procurement team, working at the very heart of supply‑chain operations. You will gain essential experience in tactical buying, negotiation, and supplier relationship management, helping to ensure value and compliance for the business. You’ll learn to create and manage purchase orders, solve day‑to‑day supply‑chain challenges, and deliver excellent service to internal customers. Working closely with colleagues across functions, you’ll also develop your skills in contract administration and risk awareness, all while learning to promote ethical and sustainable procurement. This role offers practical experience and a strong foundation to build your career and progress in the procurement profession.
Apprenticeship Programme
As a Procurement Apprentice you will enrol onto a three‑year programme, which will include two parts. Firstly, you will complete a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship over 1 year with Belfast Metropolitan College. This will be delivered via a blended delivery model including face‑to‑face teaching and remote learning. Upon completion of the Level 3, you will be supported to progress onto a Level 4 HLA in Procurement and Supply over a further 2 years, resulting in a CIPS Level 4 qualification. You will be based in our centralised procurement team in the UK, working alongside experienced professionals. Throughout the programme, you will receive on‑the‑job training, coaching, and support to develop your capabilities as a Tactical Buyer. Thales will support your professional qualifications as part of your development, and you’ll have access to a range of learning and development resources.
Requirements
* 2 A‑levels (or equivalent qualifications) at grade C or above.
* 5 GCSEs 9‑4 (A‑C) including English and Maths.
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).
Assessment Centres: for shortlisted candidates will be held between February to May 2026. Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September 2026.
Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. 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 number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
Security Clearance: Due to the nature of the work, all of our roles are subject to security restrictions. All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements prior to starting with us. This role requires SC clearance. 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.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer, and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. We provide inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment processes and reasonable adjustments for neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition.
Great journeys start here – apply now!
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