Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering; Level 2 en-route

Position: 2026 Manufacturing Apprentice - Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Level 2 en-route)
2026 manufacturing apprentice page is loaded## 2026 manufacturing apprenticelocations:
belfasttime type:
full time posted on:
posted todaytime left to apply:
end date: february 13, 2026 (30+ days left to apply) job requisition :
r0298302location: belfast, united kingdomtogether 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 that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you;

whether that’s 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.
** 2026 manufacturing apprentice** – level 3 apprenticeship ni in engineering (level 2 en-route)
** start date:
** 07 september 2026
** salary:** £24,000 per annum
** employee type:
** permanent
* * location:
** belfast (must be a resident of northern ireland for the past 5 years)
** working schedule:
** 4.5 day week in the 1st 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.
** 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 coveredthis 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 1st 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 2nd and 3rd year, trainees will define their trade specialism within the spectrum of manufacturing activities.  The skill areas anticipated to be required are mechanical, electrical or mechatronic assembly. Skill definition will be set at year 2, with the decision based on apprentice performance during their 1st 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 1st year you will spend your friday mornings in the
** thales academy**.
** requirements:
*** 5 gcses grade c or above including english and maths
** 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)
** please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between february - may 2026.  Induction week for all graduates and apprentices will take place from monday 7…