Mechanical Engineering Graduate Review
at Thales
Graduate Scheme
Manufacturing
Stockport
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
4.8/5
-
Overview of the Role
4.4/5
-
Experience & Company Culture
3/5
-
Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Thales?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience so far with Thales. This graduate scheme has allowed me to learn within a manufacturing environment within a strong collaborative team. I have developed my technical skills learning about the manufacturing process and the manufacturing engineering role within that process. I have also developed interpersonal skills such as presentations, communication and collaboration.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Within my role, my main responsibilities include conducting engineering reviews of technical documents such as drawings, wiring schedules. Additionally, I frequently write manufacturing documents, manage manufacturing non-conformances and present manufacturing update reviews.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I feel as though I am easily able to contribute within my team. I have been given the opportunity to gain more and more responsibility as I have developed my technical knowledge during my graduate scheme. As part of this responsibility, I have undertaken my own projects and am now able to work autonomously, which I was unable to do at the beginning of the scheme.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
I think the salary is reasonable for where I am in my career. However, I do feel as though the benefits offered to my position could be improved. I think a car lease scheme would be beneficial or improved private healthcare options for graduates.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
This role has prepared me well for my future career. The knowledge and skills I have learned will be invaluable throughout the rest of my career, particularly if I continue within the manufacturing field.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
I have developed an abundance of skills through my day-today role which otherwise I had not gained during my degree, including engineering reviews of technical documents. Through formal training I have developed an understanding for engineering standards e.g. BS8888 and have learned how to effectively present during a manufacturing review.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
The support I receive from both the early careers and my line manager in very strong. I am able to discuss any queries or concerns at any given opportunity.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
The work life-balance is very good. Within my team I work on compressed hours Mon-Thursday and don't work Friday. This is a benefit that I thoroughly enjoy.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
I think Thales has a strong organisational culture and positive atmosphere, everybody is friendly and willing to talk, which is very nice, particularly as a graduate.
How would you rate Thales initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
I think Thales work very well to be inclusive and diverse. There are a few accessibility improvements that could be made e.g. entrances to buildings etc.
How would you rate Thales CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
3/5
Thales clearly define their CSR initiatives across the business. I think they work reasonably well to achieve these goals, although this can sometimes get lost among other economic goals.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Thales to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Mostly the workplace culture. It's a great place to start your career, learn and develop.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
3/5
The role was very different from my expectations, I was expecting to rotate across functions to gain a more rounded skillset however this hasn't occurred.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Thales?
I would recommend asking as many questions as possible to get a full understanding and to try to take advantages of any opportunities that come up e.g. join clubs/societies, volunteer, take part in social events.
