Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Surface Finisher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Holiday allowance + bank holidays

Success Share scheme

Flexible benefits

35-hour work week

Job summary

Airbus is offering a Craft Surface Finish Fitter Apprenticeship at the Broughton site in North Wales/England. The 36-month program provides hands-on training, NVQ Level 2/3 progress, and a clear pathway into aviation manufacturing.

Starting salary is £19,185 with a comprehensive benefits package, including pension and flexible benefits, and a 35-hour week pattern to support work-life balance. Applicants must meet GCSE requirements and have right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• CV stating predicted or achieved grades.
• Cover Letter stating motivation for role.
• GCSEs including Maths & English (Grade C/4 or higher) or equivalent qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Learn foundational surface finishing techniques during the first year.
• Assist in preparation and painting of wings and apply coatings.
• Support fitting activities in wingbox production, including drilling and fasteners.
• Complete Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma and Level 3 Academic Certificate during day release.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Learning agility

Education

GCSEs including Maths & English

Job description

Craft Apprenticeship - Surface Finish Fitter

Start date: September 2027

Location: Broughton

Duration: 36 months

Application closing date: We encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out on this opportunity! Please note we will close adverts as soon as we receive sufficient applications.

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.

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 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, setting you up for a fantastic career.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grade C or 4), including: Maths, English Language, Double Award Science (Grade CC/ 44) OR Single award in Physics (C/4) plus 2 additional GCSEs (other equivalent or higher qualifications may be considered)

To be a successful candidate you need to

• Have a passion for learning, enjoy hands‑on, teamwork and problem solving activities
• Include your CV stating your predicted or achieved grades in your application;
• Include your Cover Letter stating your motivation for this role in your application.

Important Information

GRADES: Please note: Any offer will be conditional upon us receiving evidence of your required grades by August 31, 2027, in addition to completing all pre‑employment checks and online forms.

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.

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

Airbus Operations Limited

Employment Type

Apprenticeship

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Experience Level

Student

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.

Advert end date: 15 December 2026