2026 Engineering (Field Service) Apprentice – Level 3 Engineering Technician

Thales; City Of London; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading security technology company is seeking an Engineering (Field Service) Apprentice to support the Royal Navy. You will learn about maintenance on advanced equipment while obtaining a Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship. The position offers clear career progression with permanent employment post-apprenticeship, alongside benefits such as annual leave, a pension, and health plans.

Benefits

Annual leave including bank holidays

Company Pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Discount Portal

Performance-related pay

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Able to complete planned and unplanned maintenance on communication, electronic warfare, and sonar equipment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Royal Navy in maintaining their fleet.
• Enrol onto the Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.
• Learn how to work safely and efficiently with mechanical and electrical equipment.

Skills

Electrical and electronic equipment maintenance

Problem-solving

Interpreting technical information

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A-C) including Maths, English and Science

Job description

Location: Devonport, United Kingdom

Role

2026 Engineering (Field Service) Apprentice – Level 3 Engineering Technician

Position Details

Start Date: 07 September 2026

Salary: £24,000 per annum

Employee type: Permanent

Location: Devonport

Working Schedule: 37 hours a week, Monday – Thursday 8 hours a day (08:00 to 16:30), Friday 5 hours (08:00 to 13:00)

About the role

We are looking for an Engineering (Field Service) Apprentice to join us at Devonport, supporting the Royal Navy in maintaining their cutting‑edge fleet.

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

You will learn how to work on electrical and electronic equipment; this will include installation test and service as part of the role. Interpreting technical information, you will be completing planned and unplanned maintenance on Royal Navy communication, electronic warfare and Sonar equipment. Flexible thinking and structured problem‑solving will be required core skills.

Apprenticeship Programme

As an Engineering (Field Service) Apprentice, you will be required to enrol onto the Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship with City College Plymouth. You will be trained, supported, and monitored throughout the process. Throughout the duration of the apprenticeship, you will be paid, and day released to City College engineering skills centre for off‑the‑job training. You will learn how to work safely, work efficiently, use technical information, conduct business improvement activities, use Computer Aided Design software, general machining, fitting techniques, maintain mechanical and electrical equipment, assemble and test electronic circuits and learn general welding techniques.

The apprenticeship programme lasts three years and is designed to deliver best practices, skills and knowledge in keeping engineering assets working. You will learn to keep equipment performance to a maximum, undertake preventive maintenance, diagnose faults and conduct repairs. You will attend college one day per week for the first three years and then have six months to undertake the End Point Assessment. On completion of the programme you will have achieved a Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship qualification and will roll off the scheme into a permanent role within Field Service engineering.

Requirements

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9‑4 (A‑C) including Maths, English and Science

Additional Requirements

All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements prior to starting with us.

This role requires you to be a sole British National from birth and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held; however, if not currently held, the successful applicant must undergo, achieve and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.

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 September – Friday 11 September 2026.

Closing Date

Our applications will close at 11.59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026; this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps. PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.

Equal Opportunities

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.