Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Surface Finisher

Airbus; Broughton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Generous holiday allowance

Success Share

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Airbus invites applications for a Craft Surface Finish Fitter Apprenticeship at Broughton. The 36-month program starts September 2027, with a 35-hour week and flexible shift patterns.

The salary starts at £19,185, with a generous benefits package including a company pension and holiday entitlement. Year One includes college-based training at Rhyl College and progression to Year 2 and 3 at the Broughton site, working on live wing projects and gaining hands-on experience in surface preparation,

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations required.
• Level 2 Academic Qualification required.
• Level 2 Essential Skills required.

Responsibilities

• Preparation & Setup: cleaning, sanding, masking surfaces for proper adhesion and finish.
• Application & Quality: applying coats of paint with attention to environment and quality checks.
• Fitting Activities: drilling and installing fasteners in wingbox production areas.

Education

NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations

Level 2 Academic Qualification

Level 2 Essential Skills

Job description

Job Description:

Craft Apprenticeship - Surface Finish Fitter

Start date: September 2027

Location: Broughton

Duration: 36 months

Salary : A competitive starting salary of £19,185

Comprehensive benefits package, including a company pension, generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays, and our 'Success Share' scheme, allowing you to participate in the company's performance. You'll also have access to a wide range of flexible benefits to support your well-being.

Work-life balance is important, with a 35-hour week on either a standard working day or a double-day shift pattern, providing flexibility.

About us

Ready to build the wings that lift the world? Join Airbus as a Craft Surface finish 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 17,5000 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 Surface Finish Fitting apprentice you'll immerse yourself for the first 12 months of the programme learning the foundational skills required in the preparation and application of surface finishes. While completing your academic studies the course will also cover an element of mechanical fitting activities. 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.

Apprenticeship Structure

Year One

You will spend the first 12 months of your apprenticeship based at Rhyl College, working towards obtaining:

• NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations;
• Level 2 Academic Qualification
• 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'll join our world‑class team at the Airbus Broughton site in North Wales. Here, you'll apply your skills directly to live aircraft projects and assist in the preparation and painting of the wings for our Single Aisle and Wide body families. Your varied tasks will require a range of technical skills. This will include:

• Preparation & Setup: This involves meticulously cleaning, sanding, and masking surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and a flawless finish. It also includes accurately mixing paints and preparing spray equipment according to specifications.
• Application & Quality: Skillfully applying multiple, even coats of paint using precise techniques, while monitoring environmental conditions. A crucial part of the role is inspecting the finish for quality , making adjustments, and performing touch‑ups, all while strictly adhering to safety protocols and equipment maintenance .
• Fitting Activities: This would include a placement in our single aisle and wide body business areas to perform fitting activities in our wingbox production areas, these activities will include drilling and installing fasteners.

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

• Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Aeronautical Engineering)
• Level 3 Academic Certificate

Upon successful completion of your 38-month apprenticeship, you'll become a skilled Surface finish Fitter, specialising in the preparation and application of surface finishes plus the ability to drill‑off and assembly of both metallic and composite components to produce the wing box structure on our world‑class Airbus aircraft. You'll receive a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate,