Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Thales; Templecombe; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary while studying

Hybrid/flexible working

Fully funded degree

Pension

Health care plan

Learning & development support

Volunteer time

Job summary

Thales in Templecombe offers an apprenticeship toward a Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Nottingham. You will contribute to advanced underwater naval systems, while gaining hands-on experience in a defence-focused environment.

The role covers CAD-based design, packaging of electronics, prototype testing, and manufacturing drawings, with a strong emphasis on quality and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• 3 A Levels including Mathematics, or equivalent qualification.
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English & Maths.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical parts and systems using CAD software.
• Package electronics and associated cabling.
• Design equipment for installation on military platforms.
• Produce manufacturing and assembly drawings for production teams.
• Assess stress, shock and vibration in designs.
• Build and test prototypes during development.
• Qualify products for use in demanding environments.
• Apply design-for-manufacture principles for efficiency.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

A Levels (Mathematics required)

GCSEs English & Maths (5 grades)

Tools

CAD

Job description

Do you have an inquisitive mind?

Do you like to know how things work and are interested in engineering? Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through a degree, whilst providing valuable and exciting on-the-job experience within a global, innovative and industry-leading organisation? If so, read on to see what Thales has to offer…

Benefits of the programme

• Earn a salary while studying for your degree
• Gain hands-on experience in a real engineering environment
• Receive job-specific training and development
• Achieve a recognised engineering qualification
• Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
• Have your university tuition fees fully paid

About the Role

As a Mechanical Engineer at Thales in Templecombe, you'll be part of a team developing advanced underwater naval systems used by the UK Ministry of Defence and customers around the world. You'll help design, test and improve cutting-edge defence technology while having the opportunity to shape the role around your strengths and career interests.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Designing mechanical parts and systems using CAD software
• Packaging of electronics and associated cabling
• Designing equipment that can be installed on military platforms
• Producing manufacturing and assembly drawings for production teams
• Understanding factors such as stress, shock and vibration when designing products
• Building and testing prototypes during product development
• Helping qualify products for use in demanding operational environments
• Applying design-for-manufacture principles to create practical and efficient solutions

What You Will Learn

During this role, you'll gain valuable experience across the full product development lifecycle while working with experienced engineers and advanced defence technologies.

You will learn:

• Advanced CAD design techniques and best practices
• How electronic and mechanical systems are integrated into complex products
• Engineering design principles for defence and naval applications
• How to create professional manufacturing and assembly drawings
• The effects of stress, vibration and shock on engineering designs
• Product testing, environmental qualification and validation processes
• Prototype building and hands-on development skills
• Design for manufacture principles to improve product quality and efficiency
• How defence products are developed for the Ministry of Defence and international customers
• Teamworking and problem-solving skills within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment

Apprenticeship Programme

You'll work towards a Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Nottingham while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace.

The programme lasts five years and combines:

• On-campus learning (approx. 4 weeks per academic year)
• Online study
• Practical, work-based learning

Throughout the programme, you'll develop both your technical knowledge and practical engineering skills.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship and End Point Assessment, you'll achieve:

• A fully funded BEng (Hons) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering
• A Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship qualification.

The programme is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers to support those who wish to apply for Chartered Engineer status later in their career.

Entry Requirements

To apply, you will need:

• 3 A Levels (BBB) including Mathematics (Citizenship Skills, General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted), Alternative Level 3 qualifications will be accepted, subject to passing a Maths assessment. Alternative Level 3 qualifications include Engineering and Manufacturing T Level (Merit), BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering discipline (MMD) or a preceding engineering apprenticeship
• 5 GCSES grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths

Please note that applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum
• Performance-related pay uplifts
• Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Contributory Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Hybrid/flexible working options
• Employee assistance programme
• Learning and development support
• Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
• Life Cover
• 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years)

Security Requirements

Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements.

To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment.

To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years, and your employment and/or education history.

In addition, this role supports a UK Eyes Only programme and is therefore subject to government-mandated nationality restrictions. To satisfy the security clearance requirements for access to highly sensitive information, applicants must have been British citizens from birth and must not hold any other nationality. This requirement is determined by the UK Government and is a condition of programme access rather than an employment preference.

About the Company

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