2026 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Level 2 en-route)
Join Portal Londrinatur and apply for the 2026 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Level 2 en-route) role.
Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short‑range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle‑space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar. 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.
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Belfast (must be a resident of Northern Ireland for the past 5 years)
Working Schedule: 4.5 day week in the 1st year (Monday‑Thursday, 8.25 hours per day, Friday 4 hours). Year 2 & 3 (4 day week, Monday‑Thursday, 9.25 hours per day). 37 hours a week.
Expected working hours: 07:00‑15:45 in 1st year and 07:00‑16:45 from year 2 onwards.
What The Role Has To Offer
* Earn while you learn
* Job specific training experience
* Recognised qualifications
* Permanent role from day one
* Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered
This apprenticeship will suit those candidates who are serious about committing to an apprenticeship of learning and development. A self‑starter who is able to 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.
This is a trainee post, which on successful completion will lead to recognition and classification as skilled personnel.
All apprentices will complete a common 1st year in manufacturing operations which will include work‑based learning to develop the skills necessary to achieve performance levels in the production of components and assemblies consistent with the required quality standards and the master production schedule.
It is anticipated that during the 2nd and 3rd year, trainees will define their trade specialism within the spectrum of manufacturing activities. The skill areas anticipated to be required are mechanical, electrical or mechatronic assembly. Skill definition will be set at year 2, with the decision based on apprentice performance during their 1st year and matched to the business requirements at that time.
Apprentice Programme
Year 1 – You will undertake a Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeship (NI) at South Eastern Regional College, working towards a Level 2 NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations.
Year 2 & 3 – You will then progress onto a Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship to achieve the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at South Eastern Regional College. At Thales you will be documenting your practical trade skills by working towards a Level 3 NVQ in Manufacturing Engineering.
You will be given a study day each week, alongside your day‑to‑day role as a Manufacturing Apprentice. In your 1st year you will spend your Friday mornings in the Thales Academy.
Requirements
* 5 GCSEs grade C or above 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)
Closing date: Our applications will close at 11:59 pm 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 NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.
Security Clearance
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 obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements before commencing employment. This role requires SC clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, otherwise the successful applicant must achieve SC clearance prior to starting.
Equal Opportunities
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
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