Production Internship (A-Level Students)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Dedicated mentor

Structured development programme

On-site parking

Job summary

R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd is offering a Production Internship for A-Level leavers, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing operations at a leading aerospace facility. This 6-month paid program will immerse interns in production planning, workflow management, and automation systems, equipping them with practical skills vital for a future career.

With a salary of £27,000 per annum (pro-rata), the internship includes dedicated mentoring and structured development, fostering a potential pathway to full-time employment.

Qualifications

• Recent A-Level leaver or equivalent.
• Interest in business, operations, or manufacturing.
• Good organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Understand production planning and scheduling.
• Learn to coordinate teams and manage workflow.
• Experience working with advanced automation systems.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Proactive attitude

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

A-Level or equivalent

Job description

Production Internship (A-Level Students)

The Opportunity

Interested in how advanced manufacturing operations really work?

Our Production Internship offers A-Level leavers an alternative pathway into operations management, providing real-world experience at one of the UK’s most sophisticated aerospace facilities.

This 6-month paid programme gives you hands‑on experience in production coordination, dedicated mentoring, and genuine potential for a full‑time career.

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

Start Date

Monday 5th October 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.

• Understand production planning and scheduling in a precision engineering environment
• Learn how to coordinate teams and manage workflow
• Experience working with advanced automation systems (Fastems FMS)
• Support daily operations and help drive production results
• Learn to monitor and report on key performance indicators
• Understand capacity planning and resource allocation
• Participate in team meetings and operational reviews
• Gain exposure to lean manufacturing principles
• 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

• Recent A-Level leaver or equivalent
• Interest in business, operations, or manufacturing
• Good organisational and communication skills
• Attention to detail and reliability
• Proactive attitude and willingness to learn
• Comfortable using computers and Microsoft Office

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

How to Apply

Please apply via Indeed before the 28 August 2026 deadline.

You’ll need to include your CV and a brief statement explaining why you’re interested in this internship.

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