Craft Apprenticeship - Structures Test

Airbus; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Bristol is seeking a Structures Test Apprentice to gain practical skills in testing and calibration. The role involves working on mechanical and instrumentation tasks in a state-of-the-art facility. Ideal candidates will have strong hands-on abilities and a passion for aerospace engineering. The apprenticeship offers a competitive salary and a structured training program.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

Half day Fridays

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension

Success share

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Be naturally curious and excited to explore.
• Have excellent hands-on and workshop skills.
• Able to manage problems and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support test campaigns with mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation tasks.
• Perform calibrations on instruments and maintain calibration records.
• Participate in laboratory-based activities supporting the test lifecycle.

Skills

Hands-on skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Minimum of five GCSEs including grade C/4 in Maths and English

Tools

Lathes

Mills

Surface grinders

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Job Description:

Start date: September 2026

Location: Filton, Bristol

Duration: 3 years and 3 months

College: Weston College

Qualification: ST0457 Engineering Technician Level 3 - Pathway 1. Aerospace Manufacturing Fitter

Application: We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for, however, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

Apply early to avoid missing out — we may close adverts once we receive sufficient applications.

Salary: A competitive starting salary of £17,889

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

About us:

Are you looking for the ideal start to your engineering career with a world-leading aerospace company? Are you passionate about how things work and enjoy hands-on, high-precision tasks? Would you thrive in a dynamic environment where every day brings a new challenge? If so, this could be the opportunity for you!

This is an exciting opportunity to join Airbus as an apprentice in the Structures Test Team at the Aerospace Integrated Research and Test Centre (AIRTeC) in Filton, Bristol. AIRTeC is a £100 million, state-of-the-art research and testing facility that supports Airbus’s advanced aircraft wing design and development.

What will you 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. As a Structures Test Apprentice, you will support the delivery of critical test campaigns by working on a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation tasks. You will learn practical skills and technical knowledge across two key areas:

Core Activities (Common to Both Roles):

• Machining tasks using lathes, mills, and surface grinders to modify or create simple components.

• Mechanical assembly of test specimens, rigs, and hydraulic systems – from small component tests to full aircraft wing evaluations.

• Installation of test instrumentation including sensors, inclinometers, string potentiometers, and high-speed cameras.

• Use of metrology techniques to perform precise physical measurements.

• Cable manufacture and creation of bespoke connectors.

• Installing and commissioning control and data acquisition systems.

• Participating in laboratory-based activities and supporting the test lifecycle from preparation to execution.

Role-Specific Focus Areas:

1. General Test Operations Role:

This position will provide broader exposure across all structural testing activities. You’ll rotate through various disciplines and support the full test process—from component manufacturing to test execution and data acquisition—gaining a comprehensive understanding of how large aerospace structures are evaluated.

2. Calibration-Focused Role:

This position has a strong focus on metrology and calibration activities. You will work closely with our calibration engineers to ensure all measurement and test equipment is functioning accurately and meets regulatory standards. Responsibilities include:

• Performing calibrations on instruments such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, pressure gauges, and temperature sensors.

• Maintaining and updating calibration records and databases.

• Troubleshooting and repairing faulty equipment.

• Developing and optimising software-based calibration procedures.

• Ensuring compliance with quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025.

• Supporting development of new calibration techniques and procedures.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will:

• Gain real-world experience working alongside industry experts in a high-tech environment.

• Build a blend of mechanical and electrical skills relevant to testing, calibration, and instrumentation.

• Develop professionally through structured training, academic learning, and hands-on projects.

Requirements

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must:

• 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 GCSE’s (subject to validation)

To be successful, you need to:

• Be naturally curious and excited to explore;

• Have excellent hands-on and workshop skills, using a variety of tools and equipment;

• Be excited to work in a dynamic and changing environment;

• Be able to manage problems and communicate effectively to resolve them in a fast-paced team environment;

• Show willingness to constantly learn and challenge yourself;

• Feel passionate about Aerospace and shaping the sustainable future of the civil aircraft market;

• Have a passion for learning, enjoy hands-on, teamwork and problem-solving activities;

How to Apply

Apply by attaching your CV and cover letter. Please tell us:

• Why Airbus? What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us?

• Why a hands-on apprenticeship? Why do you want to learn by doing?

• Show your hands-on experience. Include any hands-on activities or hobbies where you've used practical skills.

Important Information:

Please note: Any offer will be conditional upon us receiving evidence of your required grades in addition to completing all pre-employment checks and online forms.

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.

Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.

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.