Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Aerosystems

Prestwick Aerosystems; Broughton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting salary

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension

Success share

Job summary

Airbus Operations Limited invites applicants to join its Craft Aerosystems Apprentice programme. This 36‑month apprenticeship combines hands‑on training in installing aircraft systems with academic study, preparing you to work on wings for Airbus A320, A330 and A350 families.

You will develop qualifications including NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations and City & Guilds 2675 Level 2, with progression to Level 3 and related certifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum five GCSEs including Maths (Grade C/4)
• GCSE Grade C/4 in English Language
• GCSE Grade CC or 44 in Double Award Science OR Grade C/4 in Physics
• Plus two other GCSEs at grade C/4 or equivalent, preferably practical/technical subjects

Responsibilities

• Year 1: complete NVQ Level 2 Diploma and City & Guilds Level 2 in Aircraft Engineering
• Year 2–3: install complex aircraft systems and verify with functional tests
• Work from engineering drawings to fit components and maintain records

Education

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations

City and Guilds 2675 Level 2 in In Aircraft Engineering

Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Aeronautical Engineering)

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

BTEC L3 Certificate

Job description

Start date: September 2027 Location: Broughton Duration: 36 months

Closing date for applications: 15th December 2026

Benefits

• A competitive starting salary of £19,185 35 hours per week (on either a standard working day or a double-day shift pattern, providing flexibility)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension
• Success share
• Plus many more flexible benefits!

About us:

Ready to build the wings that lift the world? Join Airbus as a Craft Aerosystems Apprentice in Airbus Broughton and play a vital role in manufacturing wings for our A320, A330, and A350 aircraft families. This 36-month program offers valuable hands-on training, recognised qualifications, and a clear path to a rewarding career in aviation. At Airbus, we believe a diverse workforce drives innovation. We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. Airbus is a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, leading the way in designing, manufacturing, and delivering aerospace products across Commercial Aircraft, Helicopters, Defence, and Space sectors. As the global center of excellence for wing manufacturing, our Broughton site delivers over 500 wing sets annually. Our apprenticeship programs are carefully designed to give you valuable practical training alongside your academic studies, setting you up for success and helping your career truly fly. With over 175,000 employees worldwide and as the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, Airbus is at the forefront of the aviation industry. During your apprenticeship you will work alongside our experienced engineers and quality team to support you to complete the work safely and efficiently

What you will be doing:

As a Craft Aerosystems Apprentice, you'll immerse yourself in hands-on technical experience in the workplace while completing your academic studies. This program is designed to equip you with valuable qualifications and competencies to work directly on live aircraft. You'll also benefit from our Gen A support network and learning HUB, providing additional support, events, and opportunities for all early career participants. This 36 month apprenticeship is structured to maximise your learning and impact:

Year One:

• NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations
• City and Guild 2675 Level 2 in In Aircraft Engineering Level 2 Essential Skills

Year 2 and 3:

• Expertly installing complex aircraft systems, including hydraulic lines, electrical wiring harnesses, fuel pipes, and control cables.
• Working to engineer drawings to ensure components like valves, sensors, actuators, and electronic units are precisely fitted and secured.
• A critical part of the role is performing comprehensive functional tests (e.g., pressure tests for hydraulics/fuel, continuity/resistance checks for electrics) to verify system integrity and performance.
• They diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions, ensuring all installations comply with rigorous aerospace safety standards, technical specifications, and maintain detailed records of their work.

You’ll continue your academic studies on day release, working towards:

• Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Aeronautical Engineering)
• Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
• BTEC L3 Certificate

Upon successful completion of your 36-month apprenticeship, you’ll become a skilled aircraft fitter, specialising in the installation of electrics, hydraulics and fuel systems to produce the wing on our world-class Airbus aircraft. You'll receive a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate, setting you up for a fantastic career.

Requirements

• Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs which must include: Grade C or 4 in Maths (GCSE certificate only – no equivalency accepted)
• Grade C or 4 in English Language (GCSE certificate only – no equivalency accepted)
• Grade CC or 44 in Double Award Science OR Grade C/4 in Single award in Physics.
• Plus 2 other GCSEs at grade C or 4 (other qualifications that are equivalent or higher may be considered as an alternative to the additional 2 GCSE’s, preferably in a practical or technical subject (e.g., Design & Technology, Engineering, etc))

Important Information:

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

#UK_APP This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company Information:

Company: Airbus Operations Limited

Employment Type: Apprenticeship

Experience Level: Entry Level

Job Family: By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.

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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