Operations Internship (University Students)

R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd; Basingstoke and Deane; On-site; GBP 24,300 - 29,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Dedicated mentor

Structured development programme

Real project experience for CV

On-site parking

Job summary

R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd in Basingstoke and Deane offers an Operations Internship aimed at university students. This fully paid 6-month programme will immerse you in supply chain operations, focusing on materials planning and supplier coordination supporting 24/7 aerospace production.

Successful candidates will enjoy dedicated mentoring, real operational responsibility, and the potential for a full-time career. Ideal applicants should be studying Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering and possess strong organisational and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Currently studying Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills for supplier and internal liaison.

Responsibilities

• Learn materials planning and inventory management.
• Understand purchasing processes and supplier coordination.
• Support raising and managing purchase orders.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Attention to detail

Education

Currently studying Business or Supply Chain

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Operations Internship (University Students)

The Opportunity

Interested in supply chain and operations? Our Operations Internship focuses on planning and purchasing – the vital functions that keep our advanced manufacturing running smoothly.

You’ll learn materials planning, supplier coordination, and procurement processes that support 24/7 aerospace production.

This is a fully paid 6-month programme with dedicated mentoring, real operational responsibility, and genuine potential for a full-time career.

£27,000 per annum (pro-rata for 6 months)

Start Date

Monday 6th July 2026

About Us

R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions.

Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights‑out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications.

We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.

• Learn materials planning and inventory management
• Understand purchasing processes and supplier coordination
• Support raising and managing purchase orders
• Learn to use ERP systems for planning and procurement
• Assist with supplier communication and expediting
• Understand aerospace material specifications and traceability
• Support stock control and inventory accuracy
• Gain exposure to production scheduling
• Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Induction, shadowing, guided tasks, building operational understanding
• Phase 1 Review: Assessment of progress and suitability for Phase 2
• Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Greater responsibility, supporting scheduling, full team integration
• Final Assessment: Review with potential for full-time job offer

What We're Looking For

• Currently studying Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related discipline
• Interest in operations, logistics, or supply chain management
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Good communication skills for supplier and internal liaison
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Proactive and able to work to deadlines

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £27,000 per annum (pro-rata)
• Dedicated mentor from day one
• Structured development programme
• Real project experience for your CV
• On-site parking
• Potential pathway to full-time employment

Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.