About the role
Location: Crawley, United Kingdom
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
2027 Procurement Apprentice – Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and Level 4 Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship
Start Date: 6 September 2027
Salary:
£24,000 per annum
Employee type:
Permanent
Location:
Crawley
Working Schedule:
Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)
Transform your curiosity into a rewarding career. If you’re passionate about procurement and supply chain, interested in developing skills in negotiation and supplier relationship management, and eager to learn, this apprenticeship is perfect for you. Combining academic study with hands-on, practical experience, it offers a fantastic opportunity to grow and thrive. We’d love to hear from you!
Benefits of the programme: Earn a salary while studying for your apprenticeship
Gain hands-on experience in a real-life working environment
Receive job-specific training and development
Achieve a recognised procurement qualification
Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
Tuition fees for the approved training providers are fully covered
About the Role
As a Procurement Apprentice , you will become a valued member of our UK centralised procurement team, working at the very heart of supply chain operations.
Your responsibilities may include: Hands-on experience in tactical buying and procurement
Opportunity to support cost-saving initiatives and efficient purchasing decisions
Exposure to supplier management and maintaining positive supplier relationships
Training in core procurement processes and procedures
Experience in purchase order creation and management
Developing customer service skills by supporting internal stakeholders
Building confidence in problem-solving within supply chain operations
Experience in contract administration and the basics of procurement law
Collaboration with a centralised UK team on supply chain activities
Support in developing skills in responsible and sustainable procurement
Introduction to risk identification and management in the procurement context
Real prospects for growth and development within the procurement profession
What You Will Learn
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will develop knowledge and skills in:
Tactical buying, negotiation, and supplier relationship management to ensure value and compliance for the business
Learn to create and manage purchase orders efficiently
Solve day-to-day supply chain challenges
Deliver excellent service to internal customers
Work closely with colleagues across functions to collaborate effectively
Develop skills in contract administration and risk awareness
Promote ethical and sustainable procurement practices
Acquire practical experience and build a strong foundation for a career in procurement
Access opportunities for progression and professional growth within the procurement profession
Apprenticeship Programme
You will study towards a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, before progressing onto a Level 4 Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship with The Apprentice Academy .
The programme is delivered through a virtual delivery model, combining:
Live virtual lectures Online learning resources Self-directed learning activities
Programme structure
As a Procurement Apprentice you will enrol onto a 3-year programme, which will include two parts:
Years 1
Complete a Level 3 in Business Administration with the Apprentice Academy. Delivered via a virtual learning module, this part of the programme will introduce you to the business in the context of procurement.
Years 2 and 3
Progress onto a Level 4 Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship with the same training provider. Upon completion you will hold both the Level 3 and 4 apprenticeship qualification, plus your CIPS Level 4.
You will be based in our centralised procurement team in the UK, working alongside experienced professionals. Throughout the programme, you will receive on-the-job training, coaching, and support to develop your capabilities as a Tactical Buyer. Thales will support your professional qualifications as part of your development, and you’ll have access to a range of learning and development resources.
Entry Requirements
To apply, you will need: · 2 A Levels or equivalent Grade C or above
in any subject or equivalent Level 3 qualification such as BTEC Diploma or T Level
5 GCSEs Grade 9-4 (A-C) including Maths and English
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)
Thales Apprentice Recruitment Process
1.
Apply Online -
submit your application online to register your interest. You only need to register for one role as you will have the opportunity to apply for additional roles at the full application stage.
2. Upload Your CV
3.
Check your emails for the invitation to apply –
this will come
from recruiting@jobalerts.thalesgroup.com
4.
Complete Your Application
– follow the link provided in the email to complete your application. You can apply for one primary role and up to 3 additional roles.
5.
Complete Online Tests -
undertake the online assessments designed to evaluate your suitability for the role.
6.
Virtual Assessment Centre -
candidates who progress from the online assessment stage will attend a virtual assessment centre, which will include group exercises, and competency-based interviews.
7.
Job Offer –
successful candidates who perform well throughout the recruitment process will receive a job offer from Thales.
For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate, or an Apprentice, please visit
Thales Future Talent - Connectr
.
Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2027. Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.
Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027 , this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2027 with details of next steps.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.
Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements.
To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment.
To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years,