Aerospace Production Operative Apprenticeship

GKN Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 13,131 - 16,050; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A starting salary of £14,591

4-day working week with Fridays off

25 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Discounts on shops and brands

Top-tier pension scheme

Life assurance and income protection

24/7 support programme access

Virtual GP appointments

Job summary

GKN Aerospace is offering a Foundation Apprenticeship for aspiring Aerospace Production Operatives based in Filton, Bristol. This three-year program provides hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing, allowing candidates to learn alongside skilled professionals while earning and training.

Participants will gain Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship qualifications and practical skills necessary for a successful career in the aerospace industry. With a supportive environment and accessible pathways, this apprenticeship is perfect for young individuals eager to build a future in engineering.

Qualifications

• Open to candidates aged 16–21, or 22–24 under specific criteria.
• Enthusiastic learners ready to engage in aerospace manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Join a team working on real aircraft parts using powerful tools.
• Receive hands-on experience and mentorship in aerospace environments.
• Engage in classroom learning alongside practical skills development.

Skills

Willingness to Learn

Positive Attitude

Curiosity

Education

No prior experience or qualifications needed

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 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Location: Fully based in Filton, Bristol

Start date: 5th January 2027

This Foundation Apprenticeship is open to candidates aged 16–21. Applicants aged 22–24 may also be eligible if they meet specific criteria (are a care leaver, are a prisoner or prison leaver, have an education, health and care (EHC) plan). Unfortunately, applicants aged 25 or over are not eligible for this programme under current government rules.

Ready to build something amazing? Become an Aerospace Production Operative

Our three-year Aerospace Production Operative programme is your chance to dive into the world of Aerospace Manufacturing and Engineering — no experience or qualifications needed. Throughout the programme, you’ll develop hands‑on experience working alongside skilled professionals at our manufacturing site in Filton, Bristol. In partnership with Weston College, you’ll work towards achieving both an Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship and a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship. You’ll learn by doing, earn while you train, and gain hands‑on experience in industry‑style environments, supported by experienced mentors every step of the way. With classroom learning, practical engineering skills, and your own drive and ambition, you’ll be ready to take the first step towards an exciting career in aerospace.

What You’ll Be Doing

Looking for a hands‑on role where you get to build, create, and be part of something awesome? This is your chance! You’ll join a team that works on real aircraft parts, tests systems, and uses powerful tools and tech. We’ll teach you everything you need to know. You’ll pick up skills that really matter—like working with machines, managing your time, solving problems, and teaming up with others. The work you do helps planes take off and fly!

Programme Structure

Year 1 – Building your foundations

Your first year is all about setting you up for success. You’ll kick things off with the Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship, where you’ll build up the key skills, knowledge, and confidence you need. It’s the perfect mix of classroom learning, support, and real hands‑on practice.

Year 2 – Exploring and growing

In your second year, you’ll get to try out different areas of the business – from supporting manufacturing within our Integrated Machine Facility to gaining experience in Systems, Assembly and Treatments. You’ll be working on real projects, learning new skills, and figuring out what you enjoy most. Alongside this, you’ll be working towards your Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship. With regular mentor check‑ins and ongoing college studies, you’ll build up a portfolio of work that shows just how far you’ve come.

Year 3 – Specialising and achieving

Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll settle into a final placement in the workplace, develop your specialist skills, and get ready for your end‑point assessment. By the end, you’ll not only complete your apprenticeship—you’ll be set up with the skills and experience to launch your career.

What You’ll Bring

• Willingness to Learn — You're open to new ideas, ready to take on feedback, and always looking to grow.
• Positive Attitude — You bring energy, enthusiasm, and a ‘can‑do’ mindset to whatever you’re working on.
• Curiosity — You like to ask questions, explore how things work, and understand the bigger picture.

What We’ll Offer

• Work safely and accurately by following engineering instructions, health & safety regulations, and quality procedures – we’ll guide you every step of the way.
• Build strong technical, hands‑on skills in a live production setting, learning how to contribute to high‑performance aerospace manufacturing.
• Attend college or training sessions regularly, complete assignments on time, and apply what you learn in the workplace with our full support.
• Keep clear records of your work, track your development, and review progress regularly with your dedicated mentor.

Perks You'll Love

• A starting salary of £14,591.
• 4‑day working week – Friday’s off.
• 25 days of holiday (plus bank holidays!) to recharge and relax.
• Discounts on your favourite shops and brands.
• A top‑tier pension scheme – we boost your savings for the future.
• Life assurance and income protection.
• Access to a 24/7 support programme.
• Virtual GP appointments for you and your close family.

Your Journey Starts Here

Our application process is simple and supportive:

• Apply Online – Fill out our short form and answer a few quick questions.
• Show Your Skills – Complete a fun online assessment with interactive tasks.
• Meet Us in Person – Join our Assessment Centre in Bristol in October.
• Kickstart Your Career – Begin your Aerospace Engineering Operative Apprenticeship in January 2027.

Looking for a career that’s going places?

Start your journey with a GKN Aerospace apprenticeship. You’ll gain hands‑on experience, earn while you learn, and work with the latest technology shaping the future of flight. This isn’t just training — it’s the first step towards a career you can be proud of.

We’re an inclusive, diverse and accessible workplace

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’. We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know.