Apprentice – Wales Aircraft Maintenance

British Airways PLC; Barry; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation apprenticeship provider in Cardiff is seeking motivated apprentices for a 3-year Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship. This program offers hands-on training alongside expert engineers, leading to recognized qualifications and potential career progression in aircraft maintenance. Ideal candidates are those with strong GCSE results, a passion for engineering, and the right to work in the UK. Compensation starts at £14,000, with opportunities for discounted flights and community engagement.

Benefits

Increase in salary after first year

Uniform provided

Access to discounted flights

Community involvement opportunities

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (A*–C / 9–4), including at least a B (6) 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).
• Over 16 and resident in Wales.
• Right to live and work in the UK.
• Over 18: available for our shift pattern—4 × 12-hour days (6:20 am – 6:20 pm) followed by 4 rest days.
• Under 18: able to work a standard day shift (8:00 am – 4:00 pm).

Responsibilities

• Learn hands-on with expert engineers on real aircraft.
• Gain insight into large-scale aircraft check planning and delivery.
• Complete NVQ with opportunities for further licenses.
• Participate in community investment programmes.

Job description

British Airways Engineering Wales Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship

Duration: 3 Years

Salary: From £14,000

Location: Cardiff Airport, Wales

Application Closing Date: 3rd December 2025

Programme Start Date: September 2026

About the Programme

At BAEW, we're committed to nurturing the next generation of skilled aircraft engineers who will help shape the future of aviation. We're looking for passionate, self‑motivated, and ambitious apprentices ready to take on the challenge of a rewarding engineering career.

British Airways Engineering Wales is a world‑class heavy maintenance facility, specialising in complex C and D checks and cabin modifications for British Airways' long‑haul Boeing fleet. Our engineers work across every part of the aircraft—from the structure and landing gear to avionics, engines, and interiors—making sure these cutting‑edge machines are safe, efficient, and ready to fly millions of customers around the world.

With three hangar bays, including specialist nose‑in facilities, we manage some of the most advanced engineering projects in the industry. Work can range from complete cabin refurbishments and avionics upgrades to detailed inspections and structural repairs that extend an aircraft's life.

Excitingly, British Airways has recently announced a multi‑million‑pound investment in our site. From 2025, we'll be expanding from one to two fully flexible maintenance bays, allowing us to bring the Airbus A350 into our scope of work for the first time alongside our Boeing fleet. This is part of BA's wider £7 billion transformation programme—and a clear commitment to growing both our Cardiff facility and the talent within it.

As an apprentice, you won't just be learning in the classroom—you'll be working alongside expert engineers, getting hands‑on experience with real aircraft, and developing the technical and problem‑solving skills that keep a global airline flying. This programme isn't just about training; it's about building the next generation of engineers who will carry our industry into the future.

Developing Engineers of the Future

The aviation industry is facing a worldwide shortage of qualified engineers, making this an exciting time to join our programme. At BAEW, we're determined to play our part in closing that gap by training, supporting, and inspiring the next generation of aircraft specialists. Completing your NVQ with us is just the beginning—our high‑performing apprentices will have the chance to continue their journey through in‑house module courses, designed to help you progress towards achieving your aircraft maintenance licences and becoming a fully licensed engineer. This programme is more than an apprenticeship—it’s the first step in building a long‑term career where your skills, ambition, and curiosity can help shape the future of flight.

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 heavy maintenance departments, gaining insight into large‑scale aircraft check planning and delivery.
• Licence Progression: After successfully completing your NVQ and demonstrating strong performance, you'll be supported in pursuing aircraft maintenance licences—an essential milestone on the path to becoming a fully qualified, licensed engineer at BAMC.

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 B (6) 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 Wales
• Right to live and work in the UK
• Over 18: available for our shift pattern—4 × 12‑hour days (6:20 am – 6:20 pm) followed by 4 rest days
• Under 18: able to work a standard day shift (8:00 am – 4:00 pm)
• 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 one of our apprenticeship schemes? 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:

• Please be aware that BAEW are advertising 2 separate apprenticeships: the Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship and Engineering Maintenance Electrical Apprenticeship.
• All sections of your application need to be complete, including all online tests, by the deadline given.
• Due to high volumes of applications, you may only apply for one apprenticeship programme. We would recommend that you read about each apprenticeship scheme before applying as only your first application will be considered.
• If you are successful with the initial application, you will be invited to complete a short video interview within a given timeframe.
• Across all stages of the application process, if you fail to submit by the deadline, your application will be automatically withdrawn.

Timelines for this recruitment process

• Initial applications open between 3rd November 2025 – 3rd December 2025 but may close earlier if volumes are high
• If your initial application is successful, you will be invited to complete a video interview in December 2025.
• If you are successful, you will be invited to an Assessment Centre which will take place at BA Engineering Wales in February/March 2026.

Inclusion & Diversity

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.