2026 Structural Test Fitter Apprentice - Level 3

Leonardo UK Ltd; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Yeovil seeks a Structural Test Fitter Apprentice offering £17,850 starting salary and a combination of training and work placements. Candidates should have at least 5 GCSEs including a B/5 in Maths. This opportunity provides practical skills in engineering and potential career growth within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous leave with flexi-days

Up to 15% employer contribution pension

Free access to mental health support

Bonus scheme for all employees

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

£500 annually on flexible benefits

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at a minimum of a C/4, including GCSE Maths at a minimum of a B/5.

Responsibilities

• Support the development testing of aircraft and components.
• Grow knowledge of an engineering business.
• Develop practical skills in engineering.

Skills

5 GCSEs including Math

Interest in engineering

Education

GCSEs at a minimum of C/4

Job description

Job Description

The opportunity

Leonardo offers a range of Apprenticeships across a variety of STEM and business routes, offering paid training, coupled with on‑the‑job learning that enables you to gain practical skills, experience and knowledge that sets up the best start to your career. We offer competitive entry salaries and fully support your academic learning through to qualifications, with salary increases as you progress.

We support helping you settle into your new location ensuring you are familiar with the team and have a warm welcome from day 1. There is a member of our Apprentice team at each site, helping you progress, ensuring your study time is protected, enabling access to digital learning as well as opportunities to get involved with the local community and STEM projects, enhancing many aspects of each programme.

The Apprenticeship

Our Structural Test Fitter Apprenticeship is suited for those who are interested in working within a multi‑skilled environment (machining, fabricating and mechanical fitting, to include some aircraft fitting). You will be supporting the development testing of aircraft and components through test rig manufacture, rig assembly, specimen assembly, laboratory maintenance and repair of aircraft parts.

The Structural Test Laboratory performs critical strength testing of new aircraft designs and modifications required for Civil and Military certification in order to demonstrate the strength and fatigue life of the aircraft structure and components.

Over 4 years, you will experience a number of placements across the Engineering & Production departments, with the ultimate aim of moving you into a final placement within the Structural Test Laboratory. NB This role would be days, not working on shift patterns.

The apprenticeship will start with an Induction into Leonardo, followed by a Yeovil College Induction to ensure that apprenticeship requirements and expectations are fully established.

You will combine your time between Yeovil College and work placements at Leonardo Helicopters, increasing your work placements as you move through the years.

During your apprenticeship, you will:

• Grow your knowledge of an engineering business.
• Develop practical skills in engineering and understanding key processes and technologies.
• Support early careers activities – our apprentices have the opportunity to work as STEM ambassadors in schools, colleges and universities.

£17,850 starting salary

What we need from you

Qualifications

You must have (as a minimum) the following qualifications:

• 5 GCSEs at a minimum of a C/4, including GCSE Maths at a minimum of a B/5. These grades are non‑negotiable.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply – this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers.

If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger – apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working: Onsite