Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice

GKN Aerospace; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in the UK is seeking an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice to earn a degree while gaining hands-on experience. The role involves rotating through various engineering teams and contributing to the lifecycle of aerospace systems. Ideal candidates will have 96 UCAS points and a strong interest in engineering. This apprenticeship offers competitive salaries and a pathway to permanent employment upon completion.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Mentorship from experienced engineers

Access to world-class training

Qualifications

• Strong interest in engineering and innovation.
• Motivation to work towards becoming a professional Associate Engineer.
• Ability to take ownership of your work.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through various engineering teams.
• Contribute to aerospace system lifecycle from design to testing.
• Engage in STEM outreach and community projects.

Skills

Creativity

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Curiosity

Education

96 UCAS points, ideally including two STEM subjects

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel : going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

What You'll Be Doing

Join Us as an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice

Location : Global Technology Centre, Bristol

Start Date : September 2026

Are you curious, ambitious, and ready to take your first step into the world of aerospace engineering? This is your chance to earn a degree, gain hands‑on experience, and help shape the next generation of aerospace technology — all while getting paid.

We’re looking for creative problem‑solvers, big thinkers, and team players from every background to join our Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. You’ll mix university study with real‑world engineering, working alongside experts who are designing and building the technologies that will power a greener, more connected world.

As a Degree Apprentice, you’ll :

• Rotate through specialist teams across Airframe, Design & Stress, Systems Integration, Quality, Support Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing .
• Be involved in the full lifecycle of aerospace systems and products – from design and development, to testing, qualification, and in-service support.
• Learn how to read and interpret engineering drawings, reports, and computer-generated models .
• Collaborate with engineers from across multiple disciplines.
• Develop problem‑solving skills to design, test, validate, and improve engineering solutions.
• Spend your first year at Weston College working towards your Level 2 qualification, before moving on site in Bristol from Year 2 , where you’ll progress through your Level 4 and Level 6 qualifications.
• Contribute to STEM outreach and community projects — because engineering isn’t just about technology, it’s about people too.

What You'll Learn

You’ll gain knowledge and skills in :

• Aerospace systems, aeronautical sciences, and material sciences.
• Engineering processes and practices (mechanical, electrical, electronic systems).
• Analytical methods and engineering mathematics.
• Regulatory, environmental, and quality standards.
• Real‑world engineering skills such as planning, testing, inspection, production, and lifecycle management.
• The importance of sustainability, safety, and teamwork in real projects.

What You'll Bring

You’ll typically need :

• 96 UCAS points (A-Level or equivalent), ideally including two STEM subjects such as Maths, Physics, Computing, or Electronics.
• Five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above , including Maths, English, and Double Science (or equivalent).
• We also welcome applications from those with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs) , where minimum Entry Level 3 in English and Maths is required.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring :

• A genuine interest in engineering, problem‑solving, and innovation .
• A collaborative mindset , with the ability to take ownership of your work.
• Curiosity, proactivity, and a strong eagerness to learn.
• Motivation to work towards becoming a professional Associate Engineer .

What We'll Offer

At the heart of everything we do are our five culture principles : Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, and Ownership . Safety always comes first, but so does your growth, wellbeing, and future. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join us :

• Earn while you learn — a competitive salary with no student debt.
• Gain a degree in Aerospace Engineering while working on live projects.
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and leaders.
• Access world‑class training and career opportunities.
• Make a real impact in shaping the future of sustainable aviation .
• Support with sourcing student accommodation in your first year if required.
• A pathway to a permanent role at the end of the programme.

What To Expect In The Selection Process

Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive :

• Apply online with a simple form, including a few pre‑screening questions.
• Take part in an online assessment if you meet the criteria.Meet one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human!) for a virtual interview.
• Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol where you’ll get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
• Begin your journey with us in September 2026.

Ready to launch your career in aerospace?

This is more than an apprenticeship. It’s your chance to launch a career, make an impact, and join a diverse, supportive community that believes in you.

Apply today and take your place in an industry that’s flying towards the future.

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

Job Segment : Aerospace, Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation, Engineering, Entry Level