Engineering Apprentice Review
at Thales
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Fareham
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My main responsibilities at work are ensuring that the machines responsible for the personalisation of secure documents are well maintained, including the calibration of lasers and checks on the density and colour of CINKJET systems to ensure standardisation across our machines and stay within the specifications required by our customer. As well as this, I use problem-solving skills to fix breakdowns and ensure smooth production. At work, I come under the supervision of a strong team of operators, PPLs, IT professionals and under more senior engineers, who I work the most closely with
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy learning at work, due to the size of my site (small) and the type of work, I can very easily get the support I may need although it can feel like my opportunities to learn are hindered at times due to the fact that production can be so busy, but this is easily made up for by the fact that I have multiple business lines that I can work within and so I get a wider variety of mechanical experience with multiple engineers, and the learning and support at college is also extremely good.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I definitely have learned how to use tools, machinery and other equipment and software used within engineering a significant amount better than when I started. For example, files, pillar drills, CAD software and general hand tools like screwdrivers and allen keys. As well as this I've learned what it means to work with people of various ages and backgrounds in a professional environment a lot better than I would have at school/college.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I feel like my programme is very structured from the training provider side of things, and is decent from my employer too as I have multiple places to learn from but I do feel as though it could have been a bit better when compared to the other sites who have had more apprentices in the past.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support I receive from my employer is phenomenal, my line manager, fellow engineers and other colleagues are all available at a moments notice. My annual leave is very flexible (I can take it almost whenever I want). I also have frequent meetings with my manager and another higher level manager where I can voice any concerns.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The support form my training provider is also phenomenal, especially where I was brand new to engineering as a whole, I was shown just how good they were at the start of my apprenticeship because I really struggled and I felt quite behind but my college and instructors helped me get back up to where I should have been and since then it has been smooth sailing.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel like the practical aspects of the training that I'm given are extremely beneficial for my role. Such as the mechanical maintenance unit and health and safety or the handfitting for when I did my foundation course. However, I feel like a lot of the stuff I am learning is going to prepare me for the future rather than for my current role, such as with CAD, Maths and Mechanical Principles as these are all the fundamentals of design.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There aren't many other than things such as the christmas party or events that are organised outside of work by my colleagues, but I feel like this low score only comes as a result of my much smaller site, and also being the only apprentice here. However there are many virtual opportunities for networking that are available to me through a platform called viva engage. There are also many opportunities available for the apprentices at larger sites.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Thales to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Excellent company, excellent pay, excellent colleagues and excellent future opportunities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Thales?
Be adaptable to different people that you will inevitably come across and know your audience. Be prepared to learn.
When you're doing the group activities during the interview stage, assert yourself but do not be bossy (ie be willing to hear others out). This will help to identify you as a good candidate.
When you're doing the group activities during the interview stage, assert yourself but do not be bossy (ie be willing to hear others out). This will help to identify you as a good candidate.
