Industrial Process Engineer Apprentice - Level 5 Mechatronics Higher Level Apprenticeship (NI)

Industrial Process Engineer Apprentice

This apprenticeship will develop your engineering skills to become a confident, positive and flexible Industrial Process engineer with well-honed technical knowledge gained from both academic study and on-the-job training. You will be part of a team that provides manufacturing solutions in support of our customers’ requirements.

What You Will Learn

• Develop an understanding of the required behaviours and codes of practice of a professional Industrial Process engineer.
• Understand complex systems by working on different tasks on ongoing projects.
• Assess Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of products by reviewing product maturity with project teams to identify and minimise risk.
• Define, set up, prepare and optimise manufacturing processes and tooling for a defined area or product line.
• Contribute to Health, Safety and Environment processes.
• Define and optimise manufacturing documentation, tools, and workflows for manufacturing and inspection based on information supplied by upstream R&D engineering departments.
• Contribute to technological innovation to reduce costs and workflows, whilst guaranteeing the feasibility and reproducibility of the process.
• Attend Material Review Boards and Configuration Control Boards on behalf of manufacturing, actively managing failures and changes.
• Implement test & control plans for manufacturing equipment.

Apprenticeship Programme

• You will study towards a Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship, Foundation Engineering Degree (FdEng) in Mechatronics with South Eastern Regional College in Bangor.
• The 3-year programme includes an initial rotation plan, followed by specialisation in a particular engineering function.
• You will attend college one day per week for lessons, lectures, and tutorials.
• The remaining four days will be spent working in engineering departments, applying your college learning in a real-life engineering environment.
• On successful completion, there is scope to progress onto the BEng in Mechatronic Engineering at Ulster University.

Entry Requirements

• Academic: 56 UCAS tariff points including A Levels (A2) with a typical grade profile of CC (to include one from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Engineering, Electronics or Double Award Science/Applied Science), OR a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with an overall award profile of MPP, OR a Diploma in Engineering with an overall award profile of MM.
• GCSEs: 5 GCSEs at grade A-C (4-9) or above, including English and Maths.
• We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated, and committed individuals who are keen to learn. You should be a self-starter with good time management skills, able to work independently using your initiative, and have a genuine interest in Engineering and Thales.
• Successful candidates will demonstrate self-discipline and an aspiration to achieve a degree qualification.
• Please Note: Due to funding obligations, applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible. This opportunity is available in Belfast and open to all Northern Ireland residents.

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).

Application Process

1. Apply Online: Submit your application to register your interest.
2. Upload CV: Upload your CV.
3. Invitation to Apply: Check your emails for an invitation to apply.
4. Complete Application: Follow the link to complete your application (you can apply for one primary role and up to three additional roles).
5. Online Tests: Undertake online assessments.
6. Virtual Assessment Centre: Candidates who progress will attend a virtual assessment centre, including group exercises and competency-based interviews.
7. Job Offer: Successful candidates will receive a job offer.

Important Dates

• Assessment Centres: February - May 2027.
• Induction Week: Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027.

Please note: Roles may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a high number of applications are received. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Security Requirements

• Due to the nature of the work, all roles are subject to security restrictions.
• You must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to complete and maintain UK Government security checks (BPSS and SC clearance).
• To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years.