Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Machining

Airbus; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer is looking for Craft Machining Apprentices in Broughton. Over 36 months, apprentices will gain hands-on experience in manufacturing wings for Airbus aircraft, working alongside trained engineers. Required qualifications include a minimum of five GCSEs with specific grades in Maths, English, and Science. This opportunity offers valuable training and a clear career path in aviation.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

35 hours work week

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Achieve minimum GCSE grades C/4 in Maths and English.
• GCSEs in Double Award Science or Physics required.
• Willingness to learn and develop practical skills.

Responsibilities

• Complete hands-on technical experience in workplace.
• Support manufacturing wings in various aircraft.
• Attend college while gaining work experience.

Skills

Hands-on experience

Technical competencies

Ability to follow instructions

Education

Minimum of five GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science

Job description

Job Description:

Start date: September 2026
Location: Broughton
Duration: 36 months

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 // 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 Machining 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 17,500 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 Machining 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.

This 36-month apprenticeship is structured to maximise your learning and impact:

Year One: You will spend the first 12 months of your apprenticeship based at Coleg Cambria, Bersham Road, Wrexham, working towards obtaining:

• NVQ L2 diploma in Performing engineering operations
• City & Guild 2850 Level 2 In Machining
• Level 2 Essential Skills

This will allow you to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to enable you to make an immediate contribution when you enter the workforce in the second year.

Year 2 and 3: Your Learning Takes Flight at Broughton! Building on your foundational knowledge, you will be based at Airbus Broughton (North Wales) and you'll join our expert team of Machinists within the machine shop area, supporting the manufacture of wing skins, panels, and stringers for various Airbus aircraft.

• Carrying out a variety of different techniques including following bespoke set up sheet instructions to complete a machining process as well as the use of stringer machining and long bed milling machining practices within the Airbus Broughton plant, completing this to a high competent level and in a safe efficient manner.
• Through your training, you will have the ability to demonstrate effective loading and locating of billets, and unloading of finished components within the Airbus Broughton plant, completing this to a high competent level and in a safe efficient manner.

Additionally, you will also attend college on day release, working towards gaining:

• NVQ Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing
• City & Guilds or BTEC Level 3 qualification

Upon successful completion of your 36-month apprenticeship, you'll become a skilled Machinist working within the Large component manufacture (LCM) team supporting our world-class Airbus aircraft. You'll receive a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate, setting you up for a fantastic career.

Requirements

In order to be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must:

• Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs which must include: Grade C or 4 in Maths, Grade C or 4 in English Language, 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)
• Apply by attaching your CV and cover letter.

BOOST YOUR APPLICATION

• Why Airbus? What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? Is it our aircraft, innovation, global impact, or something else? Let us know what interests you about our work and why we stand out to you.
• Why a hands-on apprenticeship? Why do you want to learn by doing? We’d love to hear what draws you to practical, skills-based learning.
• Show your hands-on experience. In your CV or cover letter, include any hands-on activities or hobbies where you've used practical skills.

Important Information:

GRADES: 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.

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.