Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Mechanical Maintenance

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

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer is seeking a Craft Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice in Broughton. This apprenticeship offers hands-on training in aircraft maintenance, along with academic studies leading to recognized qualifications. Candidates should have five GCSEs including Maths and English, and be excited about a practical career in aviation. The program is designed for entry-level applicants eager to learn and grow in a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• GCSE grade B or 6 in Maths.
• GCSE grade C or 4 in English Language.
• GCSE grade CC or 44 in Double Award Science OR Grade C/4 in Single Award Physics.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 36-month apprenticeship program.
• Work on aircraft components and complete maintenance tasks.
• Support academic studies in parallel with hands-on experience.

Skills

Hands-on technical experience

Troubleshooting skills

Teamwork

Education

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 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 Mechanical Maintenance 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: You will spend the first 12 months of your apprenticeship based at Coleg Cambria, Deeside, working towards obtaining:

• NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations;
• Advanced Manufacturing Engineering BTEC Level 3 Award;
• 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’s Broughton (North Wales) and you'll join our expert team of multi skilled Mechanical Maintenance Fitters. You will work within all of the Broughton productions areas supporting the maintenance of production machinery and tooling, allowing you to work on the job in a fast paced role, whilst gaining the relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The tasks will be varied, and require you to use different skills in order to complete them successfully. This will include:

• Carrying out routine Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) and reactive breakdown repairs on all Industrial Maintenance assets within the Airbus Broughton plant, completing this to a high competent level and working in a safe and efficient manner.
• The ability to demonstrate effective troubleshooting on all plant assets including automated manufacturing systems, multi axis machining centres and treatment plants.
• Day to day fault diagnosing within a highly competent team you will maintain technical specialist equipment, such as programmable logic controllers (PLC), computerised systems and robotic devices.

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

• Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Engineering maintenance)
• HNC in Mechanical Technology

Upon successful completion of your 36-month apprenticeship, you'll become a skilled Mechanical Maintenance Fitter working within the Maintenance 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 to this apprenticeship you must:

• Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs which must include:
• Grade B or 6 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

We want to get to know you —not just your grades or school background so, tell us on your cover letter:

• 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.

Company: Airbus Operations Limited

Employment Type: Apprenticeship

Experience Level: Entry Level