2026 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Level 2 en-route)
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Thales is a p‑art of the global defence and security network, delivering the full range of defensive systems across land, sea and air. We innovate in Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space, and we offer fantastic learning opportunities for committed employees to develop their careers. Your health and well‑being matters to us, which is why we offer flexible working patterns – part‑time hours, job sharing, home working, or flexible start/finish times – where possible to support your lifestyle and ambitions.
Basic Details
Role: 2026 Manufacturing Apprentice
Apprenticeship level: Level 3 (Level 2 en‑route)
Start date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employment type: Permanent
Location: Belfast (must be a resident of Northern Ireland for the past 5 years)
Working schedule: 4.5‑day week in year 1 (Monday–Thursday 8.25 hrs, Friday 4 hrs). Years 2 & 3 – 4‑day week (Monday–Thursday 9.25 hrs). 37 hrs a week. Expected hours: 07:00‑15:45 in year 1 and 07:00‑16:45 from year 2 onwards.
What the Role Offers
* 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
Apprentice Programme
Year 1 – Undertake a Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeship (NI) at South Eastern Regional College, working towards a Level 2 NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations.
Years 2 & 3 – Progress onto a Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship to achieve a BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at South Eastern Regional College. At Thales you will be documenting practical trade skills towards a Level 3 NVQ in Manufacturing Engineering. You’ll receive a study day each week and, in the first year, Friday mornings at the Thales Academy.
Requirements
* 5 GCSEs grade C or above, including English and Maths
Benefits
* 201 hours annual leave (plus 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
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. Please apply as soon as possible – roles may close earlier if we receive a high number of applications.
Recruitment Process
Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February – May 2026. Induction week will take place from Monday 7 September – Friday 11 September 2026.
Security Clearance
All successful candidates must possess a permanent right to work in the UK and will undergo Government security clearance at BPSS level, obtaining full Security Clearance (SC) in line with UKSV requirements before starting. SC is required for the role; if not held, you must achieve it before commencing employment.
Equal Opportunity
Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our success.
Recruitment Support
We provide an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process with reasonable adjustments for neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition. To request an adjustment or alternative format for this advert, contact Resourcing Ops for mid‑to‑senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.
Note
Due to the nature of our work, all roles are subject to security restrictions.
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