Culture

• "The company is keen to treat you as an engineer and not a graduate and if you are proactive you can gain responsibility quickly. Career progression is perhaps a little limited unless you are particularly proactive about it. There are regular team outings and sporting activities and there is a strong graduate population that regularly socialise together." -- Graduate, Systems Engineer
• "Socialising outside of work is prevalent between younger and lower ranked staff. Many higher ranked staff can be aloof, arrogant, and disinterested." -- Software Engineer, Basingstoke
• "The graduate community is fairly active with most sites having enough to do activities together such as paintballing, NNQs and nights out. Also the training throughout the year allows grads to get to know grads from other sites and the yearly grad conference brings together all the grads from Thales UK for a two to three day activity led schedule with socialising in the evenings. Apart from the grads there is little other socialising with other Thales employees apart from Christmas parties, as most of the workforce is 40+ and have responsibilities outside of work that prevents this type of activity." -- Graduate, Market Analyst
• "The company operates a matrix organisation, which means I have two areas of management. I have a project manager for my work commitments and I also have a functional manager who is concerned with my professional development and what projects I am assigned to. The support network on my project is excellent. There are a number of social activities arranged by the company and the project. These are not regular events, but due to site integration most people live some distance away from work, making socialising a little more difficult." -- Systems Engineer, Crawley
• "The company has a fairly strong hierarchy. However, roles are available so there is opportunity to move up frequently. Working in a project team means that there is a very strong support and team network. Functions are also very supportive, e.g. Engineers/PMs/Software, tend to support their own. There is a very active graduate social life. Non-graduates tend not to socialise as they have families, etc. However the company does organise social events and parties occasionally." -- Programme Management, Crawley
• "The structure and hierarchy is generally well defined, but slightly complicated due to the size of the company. I also feel at times I have too many managers and that the company in general has too many managers and not enough people doing the actual work. In general, colleagues are very helpful and willing to provide support. However, when I first started I found it hard to find help, but now that I know people it is much easier and people are more willing to help. There is an extremely good social scene at Thales, particularly among the graduates. We socialise outside of work hours two or three times a week." -- Systems Engineer, Crawley
• "The company is structured into different Business Units, understanding what other areas of the business do is very useful. Colleagues do support each other; graduates have the extra support by being assigned a line manager, mentor and an HR representative. Employees at this site like to socialise (meals, football, drinking, gym) but the location and high percentage of commuters affects this." -- Graduate, Information Systems
• "The company's culture is certainly one which is friendly, supportive and which keeps in mind team goals. A mixture of the history of the site/business unit (over 120 years old) and the new ideals of the company as a whole mean that employees generally seem proud to work for the company. The wealth of expertise within the company has greatly aided me in my formative years in industry. There are various socialising groups within the company, including many subsidised clubs such as golf and hill-walking, who have regular outings. A general employee society organises one-off events such as go-karting or cruises with an emphasis on it being open to all. In addition I visit the pub regularly with a large network of friends from work." -- Electronic Engineer, Glasgow
• "Team working is highly effective and strongly promoted within Thales. A lot of our work involves liaising with other disciplines to ensure product development progresses smoothly. Nights out and social activities are encouraged as well. I have worked at Thales for just over two years now and have taken part in the Three Peaks Challenge, the annual graduate conference, go-karting, paint-balling, curling, badminton, several charity events, and of course, the Christmas party. I am really happy with the social aspect of Thales. The people are really friendly." -- Mechanical Engineer, Glasgow
• "In the workplace there is a great sense of teamwork, as numerous departments are working together to achieve the collective goal. A strong advantage of working in this environment is that you can learn from others on the job, as well as the number of training courses the company have endorsed. In terms of the graduate scheme, there is also a great sense of teamwork as all graduates are working to complete their further qualifications. The ability to work together and network across departments has also allowed us to create a great social group of friends who often spend time together out with the office." -- Strategic Marketing Analyst, Glasgow
• "In the office there is quite a lot of banter. It is mostly relaxed and none of the mangers are too concerned about taking a long tea break or socialising with colleagues during office hours. After hours many of the employees socialise and go out for drinks together. There is an excellent touch rugby club that meets for a game on Tuesdays after work." -- Graduate, Software Engineer
• "There is a good atmosphere in the office, with a lot of banter. Senior management is very approachable and easy to talk to – there is a hierarchy, but it doesn't stop anyone talking to anybody. We're going through a bad transition at the moment with a site move, and immediate colleagues are supportive of each other. Employees do socialise outside work together, but the most social interaction is probably among the graduates." -- Graduate, Commercial Officer, Wells
• "There is a fairly well-defined structure, with perhaps too much management, but this is being addressed. Graduate employees tend to socialise heavily with each other, specifically graduates living in the same area. Socialising with other colleagues happens frequently with lunchtime trips to the pub or curries in town, etc." -- Graduate, Software Engineer, Wells

Hours

• "I feel comfortable working my normal 37.25 hours per week. I work half days on a Friday. I am able to do overtime when I want a little extra cash. My company does not do flexible working." -- Software Engineer, Basingstoke
• "On average I spend roughly 45 hours a week in the office. These hours are worked flexibly, with start and finish times variable, although we are no longer allowed to use excess hours to take a day or half-day off. Weekend work occurs on occasion, but is normally optional, and rarely forced if one is unavailable." -- Software Engineer, Basingstoke
• "I work around 40 hours a week, although there is overtime compensation. They will occasionally require you to work weekends or late but again this is paid and I have only had this once in my 3 1/2 years at Thales. Additionally, there is flexi time available but this is site dependant and not a company-wide policy." -- Graduate, Market Analyst
• "I spend an average of 40 hours in the office a week. I have never had to work at weekends, although closer to release, that might change. My office is very flexible with regards to start and finish times, as long as you make up the correct amount of hours. My holiday allowance is pretty generous, and I have not yet been refused leave." -- Graduate, Software Engineer
• "I very, very rarely spend longer than my contracted 37.25 hours a week in the office. As long as you are progressing well with your work, Thales respects your work-life balance. I have NEVER had to work at a weekend. Thales is also very flexible with working hours – doctors/dentists appointments are allowed for (typically a morning or afternoon off to attend such an appointment), hours can be made up later in the week if you need to leave early for any reason. Also, within my division at my site, we work 8.25 hours Monday – Thursday and only 4.25 on Friday, giving us a 2.5 day weekend – that's very nice to have! I receive 25 days holiday per year, but days can not typically be rolled over from year to year unless you have a justified reason for not using your holiday up (e.g. looming project deadlines, etc.). Unpaid leave can be taken if further holiday is required if agreed by your manager. New graduates from 2011 will receive 26 days holiday – why new graduates should receive a day more than existing graduates I don't know!!!" -- Software Engineer, Crawley
• "I often do overtime but am paid for it, not forced to work extra but choose to normally. Core hours are 9-4 but this is normally flexible." -- Software Engineer, Crawley
• "Depending on workload and what the project demands, weekend working can be done. I have personally been on several very demanding projects recently, which have meant I've worked around four hours on a few weekends. Overtime is paid (time x 1.75) for a Sunday. Holiday is 25 days a year and this is on top of bank holidays and a shutdown between Christmas and New Year; additional holiday cannot be purchased." -- Mechanical Engineer, Glasgow
• "I probably spend on average 38 hours in the office each week, depending on workload. If my project is at a crucial stage I sometimes come in to put in the extra work so that the team can meet deadlines, however personally I prefer to do this in the evenings as opposed to weekends. The opportunity for overtime is sometimes offered/requested although obviously nothing is compulsory. Thales is very good for its flexibility – I can start between 7.30am and 9.30am and therefore finish between 4pm and 6pm (though doing no more or less than 8.5 hours a day – it is not possible to save up hours). We also finish at lunchtime on a Friday every week, which is a wonderful luxury and very useful." -- Electronic Engineer, Glasgow
• "The contracted work hours are fair (37.5) and the flexible working hours policy is one of the company’s biggest assets. Overtime is often expected of individuals and I am usually in the office over 40 hours a week on average, but this is paid up until your salary surpasses a certain level." -- Midlevel, Software Engineer
• "I work a 37.5 hour week, but get paid overtime for anything above that. I am generally in for just over 40 hours a week. I have occasionally done weekends, but wasn’t in any way pressured by anyone other than myself to get the job done. Current flexi-time is excellent, and overtime can be traded into flexi-leave. However, later in the year our site is relocating to Bristol and we lose most of this flexibility and haven’t had a good reason as to why. Currently I am very happy with the situation, as marked above, but my opinion will change before the end of the year as the changes with the site move become apparent." -- Graduate, Hardware Engineer, Wells

Pay

• "£24,500" -- Supportability Engineer, Basingstoke
• "£27,060" -- Software Engineer, Basingstoke
• "£28,000" -- Strategic Market Analyst, Basingstoke
• "£27,000" -- Graduate, Systems Engineer
• "£29,800" -- Graduate, Market Analyst
• "£27,450" -- Mechanical Engineer, Crawley
• "£26,150" -- Software Engineer, Crawley
• "£27,347" -- Systems Engineer, Crawley
• "£28,800" -- Programme Management, Crawley
• "£25,000" -- Project Manager, Crawley
• "£28,000" -- Systems Engineer, Crawley
• "£31,000" -- Technical Analyst, Crawley
• "£25,000" -- Graduate, IT
• "£26,500" -- Bid Manager, Glasgow
• "£26,000" -- Electronics Engineer, Glasgow
• "£28,100" -- Mechanical Engineer, Glasgow
• "£26,500" -- Programme Manager, Glasgow
• "£28,000" -- Graduate, Marketing Manager
• "£26,500" -- Graduate, Software Engineer
• "£30,000" -- Graduate, Senior Engineer
• "£26,300" -- Midlevel, Software Engineer
• "£25,000" -- Graduate, Contracts Officer
• "£25,000 (per annum)" -- Entry level
• "£28,000" -- Graduate, Hardware Engineer, Wells
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• "There is a bonus scheme in place, but I was not told about it, and it was only by chasing HR that I found out that I was entitled to it. I still have not received any information about it. Anything I do know is gleaned from talking to other grads. As the company has made a loss this year, I have had a pay freeze." -- Graduate, Software Engineer
• "The company have a very generous starting salary although they are not consistent or formal enough about the regular increases stipulated in the contract." -- Graduate, Systems Engineer
• "The pay is average in the market; however, the increases in salary are below inflation." -- Project Manager, Crawley
• "I feel the company bonus scheme is too generic and does not reward individuals on specific projects which have performed well. There is too much reliance on factors outside of my control which influence my bonus." -- Systems Engineer, Crawley
• "My salary of £28k is not typical; I have had to fight to keep it increasing. Most graduates in my year are on approximately £1.5k less than me. New graduates for 2011 will start on £26.5k. Bi-annual pay reviews are offered for the first two years at Thales, but don't expect massive rises. Approximately, a £500 rise per review is typical. Within my division, graduates DO NOT receive a bonus at all. Other divisions do offer bonuses, typically around £1,200 to £2,000 per year." -- Software Engineer, Crawley
• "No particular bonus programme to speak of -£100 if the company does well but I wouldn't really consider that a bonus. Above certain grades bonuses are available. Pay seems fair, on the graduate scheme there are pay rises twice a year (over four years) and so far there have been no pay freezes." -- Software Engineer, Crawley
• "Pay is revised twice yearly as a graduate, and once for everyone else. It is difficult to get a pay rise outside of the yearly pay review. I am not satisfied with my pay as it is, but will find out the result of my pay review in two weeks time, and so should be much happier then (hopefully!)" -- Systems Engineer, Crawley
• "I feel the pay increases in the company are too low. However, with the global recession the rates do seem competitive. Starting salary for grads is around 26k, with a £500 rise every six months for two years. There is then a company-wide salary review every summer. No bonuses are awarded to grads (I'm not sure at what level in the company bonuses start)." -- Mechanical Engineer, Glasgow
• "The company has an AAD process which compares individual performance against objectives agreed with managers earlier in the year. This forms the basis of an increase in compensation." -- Programme Manager, Glasgow
• "The company is trying to find a way to recognise and reward technical streams as they have realised that the only way for most UK engineers to progress is to stop being engineers and enter a management stream. This is extremely encouraging as many technical graduates do what we do because it's what gives us the greatest job satisfaction. I'm not sure if any other companies are doing this but if so, I don't believe there are many. Top marks for acknowledging the issue." -- Software Engineer, Glasgow
• "Most graduates are not differentiated on pay. Each graduate is given a standard raise every six months of the graduate programme. There is strong reluctance to other increases in pay. Bonuses for graduates and entry level positions are small, but do get bigger as you move up the ladder." -- Graduate, Software Engineer
• "The pay increments awarded during annual reviews are extremely poor, and although supposedly based on individual performance are clearly not as they are decided before the review, and do not seem to differ even when receiving an excellent rating. The initial starting salary was very good for a graduate level job at the time, but there seems to be no progress in salary after starting, despite increasing responsibilities and even a grade rise. The company needs a serious review of the salary structure as excellent employees are leaving after not being recognised for their achievements." -- Midlevel, Software Engineer
• "I thought when I joined that the salary was very good. Since joining, the other Thales business unit on site has rewarded its graduates with good salary reviews (5-10% twice a year), while our business unit has not been anywhere close. This gives very mixed signals for a so-called coherent business with corporate policies." -- Graduate, Hardware Engineer, Wells

Interviews & Assessments

• "Three rounds of interview: 1. Online psychometric test. 2. Telephone interview. 3. Face-to-face interview. Final interview was easygoing. I talked mostly about the technical aspects of my degree and my final year project (things I had highlighted in my CV)." -- Software Engineer, Basingstoke
• "Three rounds: online form, phone interview, assessment day. Assessment day was a very intense testing of abilities but I came away thinking it was a useful day even if I hadn’t gotten the job." -- Supportability Engineer, Basingstoke
• "Personally, I was head-hunted. My CV was online and Thales contacted me asking if I would like to apply. I did so, completed an online test and telephone interview, and then attended a one-day assessment centre. The assessment centre comprised of a couple of group tasks, an interview and delivering a prepared presentation." -- Software Engineer, Crawley
• "Paper sift – Is my CV what they are looking for? Online assessment – Can I read and write? Can I add up? Telephone interview – Am I personable? How do I react in different situations? What are my preferences to where and what I work on? Face-to-face interview – What do I know about Thales? Why Thales? What do I think my strengths and weaknesses are? Where do I see my career going? Technical assessment – What does Research and Development mean to Thales?" -- Systems Engineer, Crawley
• "There were three sets of assessments. All were very thorough and different but all exposed the key attributes. The first assessment was a business exercise, in which my business acumen, teamwork, leadership and communication skills were analysed. This was followed by a technical interview and finally I underwent a competency-based interview. The assessment day was unnerving, however the assessors did make us feel relaxed and comfortable. I can recall Tony Gable (Programme Manager) as one of the assessors." -- Graduate, Project Manager
• "Online application process, then a 30 minute phone interview followed by all day assessment centre involving interviews with your prospective manager. Assessment day was fairly tiring and full-on but reasonably relaxed and probably fairly standard as assessment centres go these days. The day involved group activities, a technical presentation, a 1.5 hour written exam and aptitude tests." -- Entry level, Project Engineer