Job Details Manufacturing Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship 2026 R30385

MBDA S.A.S.; Bolton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Bolton is offering a Manufacturing Operator Apprenticeship. This 4-year program includes hands-on training and experiences in various manufacturing placements, setting you up for future opportunities. Candidates should have a keen interest in understanding practical skills and be willing to learn. The role offers a starting salary of £18,000 plus a £3,000 joining bonus, alongside numerous benefits like annual leave and development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

Learning and development opportunities

Management training opportunities

Qualifications

• Keen interest in how things work.
• Willingness to learn and develop practical skills.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial training within Manufacturing Operations Training Facility.
• Participate in various manufacturing placements.
• Travel to Wigan and Leigh College for study.

Skills

Hands-on work

Technical understanding

Team collaboration

Education

Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship

Job description

Overview

The opportunity Manufacturing consists of the Assembly, Integration and Test of all our products for the company. The products we make are delivered directly to the customer/end user and therefore Manufacturing are vital to the delivery aspects of MBDA's business. Integral to the build of each and every one of our range of products are our Operations community. They work with our Engineers to deliver on our commitment to our customers. They maintain the integrity of each and every one of our builds through the specialist work they do. You will be part of a team of operations personnel in a fast-paced but friendly and inclusive manufacturing environment. The team has a great mix of personnel, all striving to deliver technical excellence and maintain product output. This opportunity would suit anyone that has a keen interest in how things work and is looking to learn and shape a career around a practical skill. We are looking for someone with a love for hands-on work, who wants to contribute to the delivery of our products. Further opportunities during the completion of your apprenticeship may lead to more specialist roles, such as electro-mechanical dual skilling, and you could even end up leading a team! Our Manufacturing Operator Apprentices are the future of our Manufacturing facility. We are working to build a flexible pool of Operators - and you could be part of this.

Programme structure

On this 4 year programme you will follow the Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship Standard which aligns with IET EngTech professional recognition. During your first year you'll complete your initial training within our Manufacturing Operations Training Facility, before moving directly into your manufacturing placements, whilst studying 1 day per week at Wigan and Leigh College. You'll get to experience the following placements, to name a few:

• Printed Electrical Circuit Manufacturing
• Cable Manufacturing
• Missile Assembly including Actuators and Control and AIT
• Missile Integration including Platforms
• Missile Test
• Calibration & Maintenance

Please note: You will also be expected to travel to Wigan and Leigh College as and when required (travel expenses will be claimable).

Benefits and additional information

• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• Employees receive 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year, with incremental increases after 5, 10 and 15 years of service
• Additional holiday purchase up to five days per year
• Dynamic Working policies for flexibility around hours and location
• MBDA Retirement Savings Plan (Defined Contribution) with company and employee contributions; access to financial wellbeing benefits
• Share Incentive Plan, Mortgage Advice, Season Ticket Loan, Critical Illness, Employee Assistance Programme, Private Medical Insurance options, and other health and wellbeing benefits
• Learning and development: online platforms (Percipio, YouLearn, Career Builder, Video Gateway) and formal courses via the Learning Gateway; up to £150/year for additional study
• Management training opportunities for those aiming to lead teams
• On-site facilities and employee networks supporting diversity and inclusion
• Salary: £18,000 plus a £3,000 joining bonus

Working pattern and requirements

This is a hands-on role and the majority of work is conducted on site at our Bolton site, which operates shift patterns. You may be expected to start as early as 7am on a regular basis to maximise time with experienced team members. There is potential for an early finish on Fridays (college dependent).

Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. After offer, successful candidates will undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).

Company and culture

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We support the Armed Forces and partner with governments to defend freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks and encourage discussions about advice, support, or adjustments throughout the recruitment process.