Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Line Maintenance)

TUI Cruises GmbH; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global tourism company is seeking apprentices for an Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship at Manchester Airport. This role involves live aircraft maintenance under supervision, providing essential support to ensure safety and quality. Applicants should possess GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science. A strong work ethic, teamwork ability, and an interest in aviation are essential. The starting salary is £19,552 per annum, with 25 days annual leave and block training. The role includes hands-on learning and progression opportunities.

Benefits

Starting salary of £19,552 per annum

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Paid training

Health and Wellbeing support

Employee reward platform

Qualifications

• Must be aged 17 years and 9 months or older by September 2026.
• Must not hold a Level 4 qualification or higher in Engineering.
• Permanent right to live and work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Carry out live aircraft maintenance tasks under supervision.
• Support fault diagnosis and scheduled maintenance activities.
• Learn how line maintenance supports daily flying schedules.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Team-working

Analytical problem-solving

Communication skills

Interest in engineering and aviation

Education

GCSEs at Grade 5/B or above in English, Maths, and Science

Technical GCSE subjects or practical experience

Job description

Overview

Get your career off to a flying start

The sky’s the limit with TUI. We’re the world’s number one tourism business, operating in around 180 destinations worldwide, offering exciting global opportunities and long‑term career progression.

As part of our four‑year Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Line Maintenance), you’ll work at the heart of our airport engineering operation at the Manchester Airport, gaining hands‑on experience on live aircraft in a fast‑paced, operational environment. You’ll be supported throughout by experienced, licensed engineers as you develop the technical skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for a successful aircraft engineering career.

With over 130 aircraft in our fleet, our Line Maintenance teams play a vital role in keeping aircraft moving safely and on time every day.

The Apprenticeship

This programme combines structured learning with practical, on‑the‑job experience working on live aircraft between flights. Training is delivered in partnership with Resource Group.

For the first 10 months of the programme, training will be delivered via block release alongside your on‑the‑job learning for the remainder of the apprenticeship.

On successful completion, you will achieve:

• Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Aircraft Maintenance Fitter/Technician pathway) and Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will achieve an A1 Licence, subject to meeting regulatory requirements and organisational standards.

This learning pathway is designed to prepare you for a career within TUI Line Maintenance at the Manchester Airport.

About Our Offer

• Starting salary of £19,552 per annum, with structured progression
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Paid block and day‑release training
• Pension scheme and life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing support across Financial, Health, Social, Community and Career areas
• Employee reward platform with savings on shopping, days out and more
• Foreign exchange discounts
• Ongoing investment in your learning and development
• On completion of the apprenticeship: a TUI voucher and an additional day off to celebrate

About the Job

You will:

• Carry out live aircraft maintenance tasks between flights under the direct supervision of licensed engineers
• Support fault diagnosis, defect rectification and scheduled maintenance activities
• Work within a shift‑based, airport‑operational environment
• Learn how line maintenance supports daily flying schedules and operational performance
• Develop strong awareness of safety, quality and regulatory compliance
• Build technical knowledge through a combination of hands‑on experience and formal training

About You

We’re looking for people with potential, motivation and commitment, rather than previous aviation experience.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• A strong work ethic and commitment to learning
• Team‑working and clear communication skills
• A practical and analytical approach to problem‑solving
• Resilience and adaptability in a safety‑critical environment
• The ability to study independently and take ownership of your learning
• A genuine interest in engineering and aviation
• Practical hand skills gained through education, hobbies or interests

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs at Grade 5/B or above in English, Maths and Science
• We’re also interested in technical GCSE subjects (e.g. Engineering, Electronics, Design & Technology), or practical technical experience from work or hobbies

We also welcome equivalent qualifications or relevant technical experience, such as

• Relevant military trade training or technical qualifications (aviation mechanical/engineering)
• Level 2 vocational engineering or science qualifications
• Other technical certificates demonstrating applied engineering or scientific knowledge

You must be able to work from the Manchester Airport and live within a 30‑mile radius, due to the operational and shift‑based nature of the role.

Eligibility & Essential Requirements

Please read carefully before applying. You must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be aged 17 years and 9 months or older by the programme start date in September 2026
• Not already hold a Level 4 qualification (or higher) in Engineering, in line with apprenticeship funding rules
• Have the permanent right to live and work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
• If you hold overseas qualifications, provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability
• Be able to obtain and maintain an airside pass, including a satisfactory DBS check
• Be willing to work shifts, including early mornings, late finishes, weekends and bank holidays

Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in your application being withdrawn.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – Mandatory Requirements

All apprentice engineers must be able to:

• Work in confined spaces
• Work at height, including using harnesses and mobile working platforms
• Wear respiratory protective equipment and pass face‑fit requirements
• Pass an annual medical examination
• Interpret Aircraft Maintenance Manuals
• Successfully complete CAA‑derived engineering examinations

We’re proud to be building a more inclusive engineering community and actively welcome applications from female, ethnic minority and disabled candidates, who are currently under‑represented within our Aircraft Engineering teams.

At TUI, we want everyone to feel they belong. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know — we’re happy to help.

Closing date: 27th March 2026

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest.

Assessment centres scheduled - April 2026