2025 Manufacturing (CNC Machinist) Apprentice - Level 2 followed by Level 3 NI Engineering Apprenticeship
Start Date: 01 September 2025
Salary: £16,000 (16-18yrs), £21,000 (19yrs+) 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 two and three (4 day week, Monday – Thursday, 9.25 hours per day). 37 hours a week. Expected working hours 07.00 – 15.45 in first year and 07.00 – 16.45 from year two onwards (Shift work may be required outside academic calendar).
Are you ready to kick-start your career in advanced manufacturing? If so, join our dynamic team at Thales Belfast as a Machine Shop Apprentice, where innovation meets craftsmanship!
What the role has to offer:
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 apprenticeship will suit those candidates who are serious about committing to an apprenticeship of learning and development. This is a trainee post, which on successful completion, will lead to recognition and classification as skilled personnel.
The CNC Machine Apprentice at Thales Belfast will work under the guidance of experienced machinists to learn the operation and maintenance of computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Responsibilities may include setting up machines, loading materials, monitoring the production process, and performing quality checks, to meet the master production schedule.
This role provides valuable hands-on experience and training in precision machining within a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Apprentice Programme
Year 1 - As an 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 (day release).
Year 2 & 3 - You will then progress onto a Level 3 Mechanical Manufacturing Apprenticeship to achieve the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at South Eastern Regional College, (Day release), at Thales you will be documenting your practical trade skills by working towards a Level 3 NVQ in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering.
You will be given a study day each week, alongside your day-to-day role as a CNC Machining 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.
