2026 Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician
Location: Cheadle, United Kingdom. Start date: 07 September 2026. Salary: £24,000 per annum. Employment type: Permanent. Working schedule: Monday – Thursday, 37 hours a week (9.25 hours a day). Employer: Thales.
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 Details
The apprenticeship runs for 3.5 years and will be delivered via a day‑release model. Year 1 focuses on learning, with 3 days a week at Trafford College and 1 day in the workplace. Year 2 involves site work with experienced technicians, continuing college studies to complete a BTEC and NVQ. Year 3 offers rotation through other business functions, culminating in an end‑point assessment.
Responsibilities
* Learn key skills for manufacturing, such as assembly techniques, wiring and looming, soldering, and ESD safety.
* Use relevant equipment and software throughout Thales.
* Support manufacturing teams across various departments.
* Participate in placement rotations to discover preferred areas of work.
* Prepare a work‑based project report and attend a professional discussion as part of the End Point Assessment.
Qualifications
* 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).
Security and Clearance
All applicants must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) prior to commencing employment. The role requires SC clearance; current holders are preferred.
Application Deadline
Applications close at 11.59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026.
Recruitment Process
Further details about the Future Talent recruitment process, including tips, are available via the Thales Future Talent website.
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