Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Surface Finisher

Airbus S.A.S.; Penyffordd; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Holiday allowance

Success Share

Flexible benefits

35-hour week

Job summary

Airbus S.A.S. in North Wales invites applicants to join as a Craft Surface Finish Apprentice.

Over a 36-month program you will learn to prepare and apply surface finishes, drill components, and support wing box production for A320, A330 and A350 families while studying Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Aeronautical Engineering). You will train on live projects, work with engineers, and gain hands-on experience in sanding, masking, paint application and inspection to ensure safety and quality.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including Maths and English (4/C) and Science are required.
• Apprenticeship pathway with Aeronautical Engineering focus.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Preparation & setup: cleaning, sanding, masking and paint prep.
• Application & quality: applying coats, inspecting finish and touch-ups.
• Fitting activities: drilling and installing fasteners in wingbox areas.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Aeronautical Engineering)

Level 3 Academic Certificate

NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations

Level 2 Academic Qualification

Level 2 Essential Skills

Tools

Spray equipment

Drilling tools

Job description

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.

• 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., 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), 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.

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 centre of excellence for wing manufacturing, our Broughton site delivers over 500 wing sets annually. Our apprenticeship programmes 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 175000 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, 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.

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.

Salary: A competitive starting salary of £19,185.

• Company pension
• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• 'Success Share' scheme, allowing you to participate in the company’s performance
• 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