Apprentice - Avionics & Components Cardiff

British Airways PLC; Barry; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Discounted flights

Apprentice network & community

Job summary

British Airways Engineering Wales offers an Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop Apprenticeship, where you rotate through mechanical, electrical, avionics and systems maintenance to learn how aircraft components are repaired and tested. You will gain NVQ qualifications and work toward a technical certificate at Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw Campus.

You’ll be part of a supportive apprentice network, with progression opportunities into skilled engineering roles after successful completion of the NVQ

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (A*-C / 9-4), including Maths and English/Science
• Or a Level 2 Engineering qualification (with Maths and Science at Distinction)

Responsibilities

• Rotate through workshop environments: mechanical, electrical/electronic, avionics and systems maintenance
• Work hands-on with navigation, flight deck, radio & radar modules; lighting; motors and actuators; wiring looms; aircraft safety systems
• Learn to diagnose faults using modern diagnostics and test equipment
• Carry out component strip-downs, repairs, rebuilds and testing
• Engage with mechanical and electrical/electronic systems, supporting tooling calibration and safety compliance

Skills

Motivated team player

Hands-on mindset

Education

GCSEs (incl Maths & English/Science)

Level 2 Engineering qualification

Job description

Salary: From £14,000

Location: Cardiff Airport

Application Closing Date: 19 th November 2026

Start Date: August 2027

About the Programme

Are you ready to build the foundations of an engineering career that's second to none? At British Airways Engineering Wales, we are inviting driven, hands‑on and ambitious individuals to join our Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop Apprenticeship. This is your chance to learn how aircraft really work - from lighting to navigation, radio, radar, and safety systems - all underpinned by high-quality workmanship and engineering integrity.

Our avionic component maintenance facility is a high-spec, modern workshop where engineers maintain, repair and overhaul critical aircraft components - from flight-deck instruments and radios, to motors, actuators, wiring looms, lighting systems and more. We also maintain and calibrate the specialist tooling and test systems that ensure these components meet the highest standards of safety and performance.Safety, reliability and quality are at the heart of what we do, and we continuously innovate to make systems better.

As an Apprentice in our Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop, you’ll:

• Rotate through different workshop environments: mechanical, electrical/electronic, avionics and systems maintenance.

• Work hands‑on with components such as navigation, flight deck, radio & radar modules; lighting; motors and actuators; wiring looms; aircraft safety systems.

• Learn to diagnose faults using modern diagnostics and test equipment.

• Carry out component strip‑downs, repairs, rebuilds and testing.

• Engage with mechanical systems (e.g. actuators, motors) alongside electrical/electronic systems.

• Support the maintenance and calibration of critical aircraft tooling and test systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with aviation standards.

• Understand and apply rigorous safety, regulatory and quality standards.

Qualifications Gained

• Year 1: Full‑time enhanced engineering programme at Coleg y Cymoedd (Nantgarw Campus). You’ll work towards a technical certificate alongside an NVQ practical qualification, giving you a strong engineering foundation.

• Years 2 & 3: Based at BAEW, you’ll work hands‑on with our expert teams while continuing your NVQ. You’ll rotate through the different workshop departments, gaining insight into aircraft component repair & overhaul, as well as the calibration and upkeep of essential test equipment and tooling.

• Career Progression: After successfully completing your NVQ and demonstrating strong performance, you’ll have the opportunity to progress through our internal pathways into a skilled engineering role - with support, training and development to help you grow your career within British Airways Engineering.

About You

You’re a motivated team player who thrives in a practical, dynamic environment. You’ll need:

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (A*-C / 9-4), including at least a C (4) in Maths, and C (4) or above in English Language and Science;

• Or a Level 2 Engineering qualification (with Maths and Science at Distinction level).

Personal

• Over 16 and resident in the UK

• Right to live and work in the UK

• Available to work a standard day shift pattern (06:30 - 14:30)

• We highly recommend that candidates are able to drive or are learning to drive due to limited public transport links

What’s in it for you?

Looking to join our apprenticeship scheme? You won’t be disappointed.

We have many benefits for apprentices at British Airways and here are a handful to showcase the diversity of our apprentice community:

• Increase in salary after you have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, if completed in line with your development objectives

• British Airways Engineering Wales uniform from year one to show you are part of the British Airways family from day one

• Part of the British Airways apprentice network and community, with the opportunity to engage with apprentices from all schemes in the business and learn from former apprentices

• Involvement in Community Investment programmes, taking part in fundraising challenges for partnership charities, supporting causes close to your heart

• Volunteering in schools and colleges sharing personal experiences to inspire, motivate and coach students and support their potential to gain employment in the industry we love

• Access to heavily discounted flights to globe trot, and a leave entitlement to turn your bucket list into reality

Further Information & Next Steps

We are delighted you are considering applying! Here’s some more information you may need about the application process:

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.

Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

We recognise that AI tools can assist in writing and editing, helping to improve your grammar and overall style, however it’s important to consider that reliance on AI tools can lead to applications sounding inauthentic. At British Airways we want your personality to shine through, therefore, we recommend avoiding the use of AI to increase the success of your application.