Thales named the preferred employer for young engineers in France in 2026, for the second consecutive year

Thales has reaffirmed its attractiveness by remaining in the number one position in the Universum ranking of the most attractive employers among engineering students in France for the second consecutive year. The Universum research institute covered 19,064 students, including 9,049 future engineers. The Group has also reached a new milestone by entering the Top 3 of students’ favourite IT companies.

The Group offers diverse career paths in high technology for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital markets across 65 countries.

With more than 21,000 patents and patent applications, and 4.5 billion euros dedicated to Research & Development, Thales offers the opportunity to work on disruptive innovations that help address today’s major challenges, particularly in the areas of sovereignty, security, and sustainability.

Supporting young people is a key focus of Thales’ HR policy. By 2026, the Group will offer nearly 3,300 internship and apprenticeship opportunities in France for students in higher education, as well as 1,500 internships for students in Year 10 and Year 11. For these young people, this serves as a true springboard to employment. Each year in France, approximately 40% of interns and apprentices are hired on fixed-term and/or permanent contracts in engineering.

Through its "Vocation Makers" programme, Thales is actively engaging with young people aged from 6 to 18 to spark their interest in science and technology. This is achieved through site visits and discussions in schools. In 2025, the Group met with 250,000 students worldwide, ranging from primary to high school levels.

“Thales’ attractiveness is both an honour and a source of pride. Attracting engineers, researchers, and a diverse range of talent to Thales is essential to remain at the forefront of innovation. This recognition also crowns our initiatives to promote science and advanced technology among young people. Thank you to all the students who place their trust in Thales.” Patrice Caine, Chief Executive Officier, Thales