Manufacturing Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is offering an exciting Manufacturing Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Bolton. This role involves hands-on training over four years, where you'll learn essential skills in manufacturing operations while studying at Wigan and Leigh College. Successful candidates will receive a competitive salary and a joining bonus, with opportunities for career advancement in a supportive environment.

Benefits

£3000 joining bonus

Travel expenses claimable

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 GCSEs including English Language and Mathematics
• A keen interest in how things work
• Ability to work in a friendly, fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Participate in the manufacturing of various products
• Engage in practical hands-on work and training
• Collaborate with engineering teams on product assembly

Skills

Hands-on work

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship 2026

Salary: £18,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus.

Working location: Bolton

Learning provider location: Wigan and Leigh College

Working pattern: This is a hands on role and as such, the majority of your work will be conducted on site. Our Bolton site operate shift patterns. In order to maximise time working with experienced team members in the manufacturing facilities, you may be expected to start as early as 7am on a regular basis. There is the opportunity for an early finish on a Friday (college dependant).

Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Closing date: CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 23rd JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

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).

What we're looking for from you

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and predicted to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.

GCSEs:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4

This must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Any Science or Technology subject

Our company

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

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