Perks & Benefits

At Thales, we believe our workforce should experience a culture where people are respected and valued each time they: log on to their computer, walk on to site, speak with a colleague, engage with a customer and meet with their manager. In other words, each time you work with us, we want you to feel empowered and supported to do your best and to bring your whole self to work.

The importance of creating this shared respect for one another is formalised in our Diversity and Inclusion strategy; [email protected] This strategy outlines our commitment to our employees and the communities in which we operate to continuously contribute to an inclusive, safe and respectful environment. 

Starting in February each year and spanning two years in duration, the Thales Graduate Program consists of a variety of learning modules in different locations nationally. These are structured training modules, as well as self-directed learning activities, and on-the-job training; giving you exposure to all the different areas of the business.  

As part of the graduate development program, graduates will also have the opportunity to work in project teams and develop innovative solutions for business and customer related problems. The graduate program at Thales will see our graduates travel to various Thales Australia sites for the development modules.

What types of graduates do we recruit at Thales Australia?

The types of graduates we hire will vary from site to site. A list of just some of our graduate offerings are:

• Software engineering
• Cyber security
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Naval architecture
• Systems Engineering
• Hardware/network engineering
• Business/finance

What we look for

Talented people who can bring us the right mix of flexibility and innovation, analytical thinking and problem solving as well as communication skills and self-confidence. We look for graduates who step towards taking responsibility and who can bring us impressive business insights and/or technical prowess.

We look for a minimum credit average in your academic transcripts ideally with some work experience while you were studying (internships or paid work).

Key dates

Applications open: 6 March 2023
Applications close: 2 April 2023

Thales Australia has a long and proud history of offering career opportunities for recent school leavers, adult apprentices and to those who have previously completed a traineeship or apprenticeship in another field. You could work on exciting projects like ship repair, electronics and mechanical equipment repair and maintenance across a range of combat systems, weapons systems, communications, radar and surveillance.

Apprenticeship program

As an apprentice at Thales you will have the best of both worlds – you will complete a program that includes both on the job training and attendance at TAFE to study. Typically, you will spend four days a week on site and then a day at TAFE, where you will work on building your portfolio to achieve your Certificate VI. Generally, Thales hires apprentices on a fixed term contract however, if qualification is gained, and there is a positive work performance history, there may be the opportunity to become a regular Thales employee in your chosen trade.

What types of apprentices do we recruit at Thales Australia?

The types of apprentices we hire will vary from site to site. A list of just some of our apprenticeship offerings are:

• Fabrication and Specialist Welders
• Sheet metal worker
• Shipwright
• Fitter/machinist
• Pipe fabrication/plumber
• Electrician
• Mechanic

What do we look for in apprenticeship candidates?

Generally, we look for candidates who have successfully completed year 10 as minimum. The subjects you may have had a passion for while at school could include maths, science and engineering focused subjects.

Due to the unique and exciting work at some of our sites, candidates may need to work in confined spaces at heights.

We also look for candidates to enjoy working as part of teams, have a strong passion for learning and a real genuine interest in hands on/practical work! Candidates who ask questions and are intrigued by technology and engineering projects are those who enjoy being a part of our apprenticeship programs here at Thales.

Firmly committed to fighting all forms of discrimination, Thales strives to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) inclusion.  We are a ‘participating employer’ of the Australian Workplace Equality Agency (AWEI), a national benchmark on LGBTQ+ inclusion, and are working towards Bronze level recognition.

Just some of the activities in this space are: joining the Pride in Diversity Group, creation of the Thales LGBTQI+ Employee Resource Group, provision of online digital LGBTQ+ training to staff, creating educational videos and hosting online keynote events around inclusion and recognition. For the LGBTQ+ community of Thales, this means having support networks available which work collaboratively to develop and maintain inclusion, safety and prosperity.

Enabling people with disability to participate fully in employment opportunities is an important part of our social responsibility as an organisation. We are active in promoting events that raise awareness of physical, as well as hidden, disabilities and the positive effects that being engaged in meaningful work can have on these individuals lives.

We are committed to providing support throughout our current/future employee’s entire experience at Thales Australia. From offering reasonable adjustments throughout the job application and selection process, to the ability to participate in the Neurodiversity and Disability Employment Resource Group.

We are also partnering with the Australian Network on Disability; a national not-for-profit that helps organisations engage with people with disability to develop Access and Inclusion Plan, review current policies, improve recruitment process, provide disability confidence training etc.

Thales Australia is also a member of the Job Access Alumni program, that offers ongoing engagement opportunities with other employers and the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator team to support sustainability of disability employment efforts.

We are committed to creating a culture of equality across our business, where opportunities for growth, experience and career advancement is not affected by the gender that our employees identify as. We want our people to feel respected, safe and included at work and our Gender Equality Actions outlines our commitment through:

Challenging gender stereotypes to promote equality. For example, our Parental Leave Policy is inclusive of all genders and we encourage gender neutral parental care, men’s participation in caring, and recognise a broad definition of families.

Strengthening positive and equal relationships through supporting employees affected by domestic and family violence

Championing equal opportunities at work by educating our leaders about inclusive decision-making, pay equity analysis, and monitoring gender equality in leadership.

Listening to our people to understand their experiences through [email protected] initiatives, Employee Resource Group activities and by analysing data from our engagement survey.

WGEA Compliance: Every year Thales submits Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) report. The WGEA is an Australian Government statutory agency created by the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. The Agency is charged with promoting and improving gender equality in Australian workplaces.

Additionally, Thales is endorsed by WORK180 as a workplace committed to equity and inclusion, promoting flexible work arrangements, shared caring responsibilities and career development.

Thales Australia's commitment to reconciliation is about building trust, honesty and integrity throughout our organisation and wider community. We seek to form authentic relationships of mutual respect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples within the communities we operate, so that we can create long lasting opportunities. 

Just some of our activities are:

Reconciliation Action Plan Group: A collective of Thales Australia employees involved in the development, monitoring and reporting on Thales Australia’s progress against our Reconciliation Action Plan. The Group is sponsored by a Thales Australia Vice President and also provides strategic advice to relevant committees.  

Trusted and enduring partnerships with: The Clontarf Foundation, Mirri Mirri, CareerTrackers, Supply Nation and Jumbana Institute for Indigenous Education and Research. 

Guluwa Scholarships: This scholarship offers students opportunities to work with Thales Australia.

CareerTrackers: Thales Australia has committed to employing 10 Career Trackers students each year for 10 years.