Craft Apprenticeship - Mechanical and Electrical

Prestwick Aerosystems; Filton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Success share

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Airbus Operations Limited in Filton is offering an Aerospace Manufacturing Apprenticeship for Craft Mechanical and Electrical fitters. The program combines college study with on-site work at Airbus Filton, moving from training to full-time site work over four years.

You will learn drilling, assembly, electrical, and hydraulic installation, with shifts 06:30–15:45 and a strong focus on safety and quality. Salary starts at £19,185 with eligible benefits and progression toward a Level 3 Diploma.

Qualifications

• Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs including Maths and English (minimum grade C/4).
• Other GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher; alternatives may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Year 1: study at Weston College; two days per week onsite at Airbus Filton from Feb to June.
• Years 2 and 3: on-site at Airbus Filton; rotate across operational areas; 1 day release with Weston College.
• Year 4: full-time at work; 06:30–15:45 shift; assemble components and sub-assemblies; learn drilling, fastening, and system installations.

Education

GCSEs

Job description

Job Description: Start date: September 2027 Location: Filton, Bristol Duration: 4 years and 3 months College: Weston College Qualification: Engineering Technician Level 3 - Pathway 1. Aerospace Manufacturing Fitter

Closing date for applications: 15th November 2026.

Salary: A competitive starting salary of £19,185

• 35 hours per week
• Half day Fridays!
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension
• Success share
• Plus many more flexible benefits!

About us: An exciting opportunity has arisen for Craft Mechanical and Electrical Apprentices to join the Filton Plant in the wing build production environment. Filton Plant is proud to be responsible for the complete wing Assembly and equipping of the A400M. To date, over 270 wings have been delivered across the world. Filton Plant also completes the Equipped Gear Beam assembly for the A350 aircraft, the critical structural interface between the wing and landing gear. This Apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to gain qualifications with no fees, whilst acquiring new skills through vocational training, and a regular salary. On completion of our programme you will become a Skilled Mechanical and Electrical Fitter with a Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing and Aviation knowledge! This exciting programme is your first step towards becoming an Aircraft Fitter (Electrical & Mechanical).

What you will be doing:

• Year 1: During your first year you will spend Semester 1 (September to January) full-time studying at Weston College. In Semester 2 (February to June) you will start to spend 2 days per week onsite at Airbus Filton, with the other days at Weston college.

• Years 2 and 3: Time to put your learning to action! In second and third years, you will be on-site at Airbus Filton. You will rotate around a number of operational areas to develop skills and knowledge required to successfully integrate into the Plant. You will have a 1 day release with Weston College during this time.

• Year 4: Apprentices will be based in their place of work on a full-time basis. When working on-site you will be on a shift pattern from 06:30am to 3:45pm (may be subject to change). During this time apprentice’s work within the Operational Teams putting together the components and sub-assemblies that go into the finished A400M Wing. You will be required to work on manufacturing and engineering instructions and drawings. You will learn new skills including:

  • Drilling, reaming and countersinking;
  • Use of automated drilling equipment;
  • Fastening & sealing;
  • Sub and major assembly of aircraft components;
  • Fuel, Hydraulic, Pneumatic & Electrical installation;
  • System function testing.

Due to the nature of some of the tasks you need to be comfortable with working at height and in confined spaces when required. A colour blindness test may also be required.

Requirements

• Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs which must include: Grade C or 4 in Maths (B or 5 preferred)
• Grade C or 4 in English plus 3 other GCSEs at grade C or 4; other qualifications that are equivalent or higher may be considered as an alternative to the additional 3 GCSEs (subject to validation)

Important Information

GRADES: Any offer will be conditional upon us receiving evidence of your required grades 24h after receiving your certificates on results day, in addition to completing all pre-employment checks and online forms.

Security Clearance

SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check. You may also need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role.

Right to Work in the UK

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. For more information, please check the Government Website.

Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.

AI Guidance

AI Guidance: We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application— before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus http://airbus.com/en/careers/use-of-ai.

Company: Airbus Operations Limited Employment Type: Apprenticeship ------- Experience Level: Entry Level Job Family:

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

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