2026 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician
Thales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems. 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.
* Start Date: 07 September 2026
* Salary: £24,000 per annum
* Employee type: Permanent
* Location: Cheadle
* Working Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 37 hours a week (9.25 hours a day)
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
Apprentice Programme
As a Manufacturing Apprentice, you will enrol onto a Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Apprenticeship at Trafford 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.
Requirements
* 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English, Maths and a Science subject
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 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. 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, so 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 to obtain full Security Clearance (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. For further guidance, please visit the UKSV website. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance, please follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.
Equal opportunity
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity, and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. We provide inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment. 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 have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.
Apply now
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