2026 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Apprentice

Thales; Templecombe; On-site; GBP 21,600 - 26,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

201 hours annual leave

Company pension

Health care cash plan

Life insurance

Performance-related pay uplifts

80 hours volunteering

Job summary

A leading engineering and technology company in Templecombe seeks a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice to undertake a Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Degree apprenticeship. The role involves CAD design, environmental testing, and prototype building. Candidates should have A Levels or a relevant engineering BTEC, as well as the right to work in the UK. This opportunity offers tuition reimbursement and a permanent position with benefits including 201 hours of annual leave and a company pension.

Qualifications

• 3 A Levels (BBB) or a relevant engineering BTEC.
• Permanent right to work in the UK.
• Required UK security clearance.

Responsibilities

• CAD design and development for electronics.
• Environmental testing and product qualification.
• Building prototypes for test and development.

Skills

CAD design

Stress and vibration design

Prototyping

Education

3 A Levels (BBB) including Maths

5 GCSEs 9-4 (A-C) including Maths and English

Job description

2026 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice – Level 6 Electro‑Mechanical Apprentice

Thales – Templecombe, England, United Kingdom

Start Date: 07 September 2026

Salary: £24,000 per annum

Employee type: Permanent

Location: Templecombe

Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

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

Key Responsibilities

• CAD design and development, including:
  • Packaging of electronics and associated cabling
  • Design for military platform installation
  • Producing key point manufacturing drawings in support of machine from model
  • Producing detailed manufacturing and assembly drawings
  • Understanding and designing for the effects of stress, shock and vibration
• Environmental testing and product qualification
• Design for manufacture for mechanical designs
• Building prototypes for test and development

Apprenticeship Programme

As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice you’ll study toward a BEng in Electro‑Mechanical Engineering at Nottingham University under the Level 6 Electro‑Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship. Over five years you’ll spend one day a week on academic study and four days in the business applying new skills to real‑life projects. The programme combines on‑campus taught content with virtual learning and requires a minimum of four university weeks per academic year. Upon completion, you’ll hold a BSc in Electro‑Mechanical Engineering, a Level 6 degree‑apprenticeship qualification, and a permanent role within Thales.

Requirements

• 3 A Levels (BBB) including Maths (exclude Citizenship Skills, General Studies, and Critical Thinking) or relevant engineering BTEC, preceding level apprenticeship or T Level
• 5 GCSEs 9‑4 (A‑C), including Maths and English
• Permanent right to work in the UK
• Required UK security clearance (BPSS at minimum, SC without caveats for British Nationals)

Benefits

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company pension
• Health care cash plan
• Life insurance
• Discount portalPerformance‑related pay uplifts
• 80 hours volunteering (first two years)

Security and Clearance Requirements

All roles at Thales are subject to security restrictions. Successful candidates must undergo Government security clearance at BPSS level and obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with UKSV requirements before starting. Candidates must be British Nationals with no caveats and must have resided in the UK for the last five years. Evidence of identity, work eligibility, time abroad, and employment/educational history will be requested.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion

Thales is an equal‑opportunity employer. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our success. We commit to an inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments and support for neuro‑diverse applicants, those with disabilities, or long‑term conditions.