2025 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 2 followed by Level 3 NI Engineering Apprenticeship
Start Date: 01 September 2025
Salary: £16,000 (age 16-18), £21,000 (age 19+) per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
Working Schedule: 4.5 day week in the first year, (Monday – Thursday, 8.25 hours per day, Friday is 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.
Are you passionate about Manufacturing or Engineering? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you want to be part of an Apprenticeship Programme that will develop and challenge you? Then look no further – we are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed and keen to learn.
What the role has to offer:
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 first 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 second and third year, trainees will define their trade specialism within the spectrum of manufacturing activities. The skill areas anticipated to be required are mechanical assembly or electrical assembly. Skill definition will be set at year two, with the decision based on apprentice performance during their first year, and matched to the business requirements at that time.
Apprentice Programme
Year 1 - As a Manufacturing Apprentice 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 first year you will spend your Friday mornings in the Thales Academy.
Requirements:
5 GCSES grade D or above including English and Maths
Benefits
Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and May 2025. Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 01 September until Friday 05 September 2025.
Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 16 February 2025, this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2025 with details of next steps.
