2026 Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Level 2 en‑route)
Join Thales to apply for the 2026 Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Level 2 en‑route) role at Portal Londrinatur.
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, Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us.
Key Details
* 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 h per day; Friday, 4 h), 4‑day week in years 2–3 (Monday‑Thursday, 9.25 h per day). 37 h per week. Expected hours: 07:00–15:45 in year 1, 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 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. You will also have a study day each week and spend Friday mornings in the Thales Academy.
Years 2–3 – Progress onto a Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship to achieve the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at South Eastern Regional College. In Thales you will document your practical trade skills as you work towards a Level 3 NVQ in Manufacturing Engineering. During the second and third year, trainees will define their trade specialism (mechanical, electrical or mechatronic assembly) based on performance and business needs.
Requirements
* 5 GCSEs grade C or above including English and Maths
* Must possess permanent right to work in the UK and be ready to undergo Government security clearance (BPSS and SC) before starting work.
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)
Important Dates
* Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates: February – May 2026
* Induction week for all graduates and apprentices: 07 September – 11 September 2026
* Closing date: 11:59 pm, Thursday 12 February 2026 (applications may close earlier if a high number of applications are received)
Security Clearance
All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK, undergo Government security clearance at BPSS Level, and obtain full Security Clearance (SC) under the UKSV requirements before starting with us. If you do not currently hold SC, you will be required to achieve and maintain it prior to commencing employment.
Equal Opportunities
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
Additional Information
Due to the nature of the work, all roles are subject to security restrictions and may require additional evidence for baseline and security clearance. For further details, please refer to the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) agencies.
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