Engineering Internship

Programme Summary

R E Thompson offers a structured 6-month paid internship programme designed to give motivated individuals real-world experience in precision aerospace manufacturing. Interns work on live projects, receive expert mentoring, and gain valuable skills across our advanced manufacturing operations.

Key Programme Features

• Salary: £27,000 per annum (pro-rata for 6 months)
• Duration: 6 months
• Assigned mentor from day one
• Structured two-phase development programme
• Real project work with increasing responsibility
• Potential pathway to full-time employment

Intake DatesUniversity Student Intake (July 2026)

• Applications Open: Monday 2 February 2026
• Application Deadline: Friday 22 May 2026
• Offers Sent By (Backstop): Friday 5 June 2026
• Start Date: Monday 6 July 2026
• Target: University students seeking summer/placement experience

A-Level Student Intake (October 2026)

• Applications Open: Monday 1 June 2026
• Application Deadline: Friday 28 August 2026
• Offers Sent By (Backstop): Friday 4 September 2026
• Start Date: Monday 5 October 2026
• Target: A-Level leavers and those seeking alternative pathways

Two-Phase Programme Structure

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)

The first three months focus on learning, observation, and guided development:

• Week 1: Company induction, health & safety training, team introductions
• Weeks 2-4: Shadowing experienced team members, observing processes and systems
• Weeks 5-8: Guided small projects with close mentor support
• Weeks 9-12: Increasing involvement in daily tasks, first independent project

Phase 1 Review: At the end of month 3, each intern undergoes a formal review assessing:

• Technical progress and learning
• Attitude, reliability, and professionalism
• Team integration and communication
• Potential for Phase 2 development

Phase 2: Development (Months 4-6)

For interns who successfully pass the Phase 1 review:

• Full integration into team operations
• Own portfolio of responsibilities
• Larger independent projects
• Regular check-ins with mentor
• Preparation for potential full-time transition

Final Assessment: At the end of month 6, a comprehensive review determines the intern's outcome.

Programme Outcomes

Possible Outcomes After 6 Months

1. Full-Time Job Offer

For exceptional performers where there is business need. Offered a competitive salary and a full benefits package.

2. Extended Internship

Where good performance is demonstrated and business need is developing. An extended period to continue development.

3. Completion with Strong Reference

For all interns who complete the programme satisfactorily. Valuable experience, developed skills, and an excellent reference for future applications.

Internship Departments

Internships are available in five departments, each offering unique learning opportunities:

• Manufacturing Engineering - CNC processes, tooling, lean practices
• Production - Scheduling, team coordination, operations management
• Quality - Inspection, root cause analysis, documentation
• Sales - Quotations, customer liaison, estimating
• Operations - Planning, purchasing, supplier coordination

Find out more about each individual internship by visiting our website before applying: https://rethompson.co.uk/careers/

Job Type: Internship
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: £27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Are you a University or A-Level Student?
• Which internship department are you applying to? (You can see the full specifications for each internship on our website.)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person