Manufacturing Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Bolton is looking for Manufacturing Operator apprentices to start in September 2026. This is a hands-on role involving on-site training and placements, alongside studying at Wigan and Leigh College. Successful candidates will receive a salary of £18,000 with additional bonuses and have the potential for career development in specialized roles. Applicants should have relevant GCSE qualifications and a keen interest in manufacturing.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

25 days annual leave

Study leave during exams

Qualifications

• Must have GCSEs including English Language, Mathematics, and a Science or Technology subject.
• Motivated to learn and work in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in manufacturing operations and placements.
• Complete training within the Manufacturing Operations Training Facility.
• Commit to studying at Wigan and Leigh College one day per week.

Skills

Hands-on work

Interest in engineering

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship 2026

Salary: £18,000 plus a £3,000 joining bonus.

Working location: Bolton

Learning provider location: Wigan and Leigh College

Working pattern: This is a hands-on role and the majority of work will be conducted on site. Our Bolton site operates shift patterns. 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 dependent).

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 FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 23rd JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

What we can offer you

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2026
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

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:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4
• 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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