Job Description

2026 Manufacturing Apprentice – Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering

Inauguration Date: 07 September 2026.
Compensation: £24,000 per annum.
Worker Category: Permanent.
Site: Belfast (Requirement: Northern Ireland residency for the previous 5 years).
Work Schedule: 1st year involves a 4.5-day rotation (Monday – Thursday, 8.25 hours; Friday, 4 hours). Years 2 & 3 transition to a 4-day rotation (Monday – Thursday, 9.25 hours). Totaling 37 hours weekly.
Operational Hours: 07.00 – 15.45 during year 1, shifting to 07.00 – 16.45 from year 2 onward.

Role Summary

Are you enthusiastic about Engineering or Manufacturing? Do you possess a curious spirit? Are you seeking an Apprenticeship Program that offers both challenge and growth? We are hunting for motivated, dedicated individuals eager to expand their knowledge.

Role Advantages:

Professional income while studying.
Practical, role-specific instruction.
Attainment of accredited qualifications.
Permanent employment status from the first day.
Total coverage of training provider and university fees.

This program is designed for individuals fully committed to a journey of professional evolution. We seek self-motivated candidates capable of time management and exhibiting a sincere interest in Thales and the manufacturing sector. Success requires self-regulation and a drive to complete all academic requirements. This trainee position leads to designation as a skilled specialist upon successful conclusion.

All participants spend the initial year in manufacturing operations, gaining workplace competencies in component production and assembly that meet master schedules and quality benchmarks. In the subsequent years, trainees identify a specific trade focus—such as mechatronic, electrical, or mechanical assembly—based on business needs and first-year performance.

Apprentice Roadmap:

Year 1: Enrollment in a Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeship (NI) via South Eastern Regional College, targeting an NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations.
Year 2 & 3: Advancement to a Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship to earn a BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. Trainees also pursue an NVQ Level 3 in Manufacturing Engineering to validate practical expertise.
Study Allocation: One dedicated study day per week is provided. Year 1 includes Friday morning sessions at the Thales Academy.

Mandatory Criteria:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or higher, which must include Mathematics and English.

Employee Benefits:

201 hours of annual leave (plus bank holidays and a dedicated company day).
Comprehensive Company Pension.
Cash Plan for Healthcare.
Life Insurance coverage.
Exclusive Discount Portal.
Performance-linked salary increases.
80 Hours of Volunteering leave (within the first two years).

Application Timeline:

Submissions close at 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. This is the exclusive application window for the year. Shortlisted candidate assessments occur between February and May 2026, with the mandatory induction starting 07 September 2026.

Security and Vetting:

Due to our defense activities, roles require Government security clearance. Applicants must have permanent UK work rights and typically 5 years of UK residency to obtain Security Clearance (SC). This involves identity verification and a review of educational and employment history.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	Thales
Location	Belfast, United Kingdom
Locality	Northern Ireland
Country	United Kingdom
City	Belfast
Region	Belfast
Job Type	Permanent
Salaries	£24,000 per annum
Experience Level	Entry Level (Apprentice)
Travel	Not Specified
Language	English
Benefits	Pension, Life Insurance, Healthcare Cash Plan, Paid Tuition

Skills & Competency Table

Key Skills	Level
Mechanical Assembly	Trainee
Electrical/Mechatronic Assembly	Trainee
Performing Engineering Operations	Level 2 (In-Progress)
Advanced Manufacturing Engineering	Level 3 (In-Progress)
Time Management & Initiative	High
Technical Troubleshooting	Basic

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Annual Salary	Bonus	Total Compensation	Notes
£24,000	Performance Uplifts	£24,000+	Full tuition coverage included
£2,000 (Monthly)	N/A	£2,000	Based on 37-hour work week

Job Summary

This Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship in Belfast offers a permanent role with Thales. Starting September 2026, you will earn £24,000 while gaining Level 2 and Level 3 Engineering qualifications through South Eastern Regional College. It involves a 4-day work week after the first year and requires SC security clearance.

5 FAQs

When is the application deadline?

Applications close on Thursday 12 February 2026 at 11:59 pm.

What are the educational requirements?

You need at least 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English and Maths.

Is this a temporary or permanent role?

This is a permanent position from the very first day.

What is the residency requirement for security?

You generally must have lived in the UK for the last 5 years to obtain SC clearance.

Where does the college training take place?

Training is conducted through the South Eastern Regional College.

Expert Analysis

This apprenticeship is a premium entry point into the defense sector, offering a starting salary significantly higher than the standard UK apprentice rate. The structured transition from Level 2 to Level 3 ensures foundational mastery before specialization. Applicants should emphasize their “inquisitive mind” and long-term commitment to high-precision manufacturing.

Location & Logistics Guide

The role is based in Belfast, requiring a 5-year Northern Ireland residency for eligibility. Thales’ facilities are integrated into the city’s industrial landscape, offering a 4.5-day week initially to ease the transition. Belfast provides a robust engineering heritage, making it a strategic hub for aerospace and defense careers.

Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belfast

Career Path

Graduates of this program become recognized skilled personnel in mechanical, electrical, or mechatronic assembly. Within Thales, this can lead to roles as Senior Manufacturing Engineers, Production Supervisors, or specialized technicians. The global mobility policy also allows for future career development across 68 countries in Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors.

To apply for this job please visit careers.thalesgroup.com.