Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Surface Finisher

Airbus S.A.S.; Penyffordd; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A major aerospace company in Wales is offering a 36-month apprenticeship as a Craft Surface Finish Fitting apprentice. This role provides foundational skills in surface preparation and application while working on live aircraft. Candidates must have specific GCSE grades and will benefit from a competitive starting salary, holiday leave, and additional flexible benefits.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations.
• Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Aeronautical Engineering).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and apply surface finishes on live aircraft.
• Assist in painting wings for the Airbus projects.
• Perform fitting activities such as drilling and installing fasteners.

Skills

Mechanical fitting

Surface preparation

Quality inspection

Painting techniques

Education

Grade C or 4 in Maths

Grade C or 4 in English Language

Grade CC or 44 in Double Award Science

2 other GCSEs at grade C or 4

Job description

As a Craft Surface Finish Fitting apprentice, you'll immerse yourself in the foundational skills required for the preparation and application of surface finishes during the first 12 months of the programme. The course will also cover mechanical fitting activities while you complete your academic studies.

This 36-month apprenticeship is designed to equip you with valuable qualifications and competencies to work directly on live aircraft. You'll benefit from the Gen A support network and learning HUB, providing additional support, events, and opportunities for all early career participants.

Year One:

You'll spend the first 12 months at Rhyl College, working towards obtaining:

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

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

Year 2 and 3:

Building on your foundational knowledge, you'll join the world-class team at the Airbus Broughton site in North Wales. You'll apply your skills directly to live aircraft projects, assisting in the preparation and painting of wings for the Single Aisle and Wide body families.

Your tasks will require a range of technical skills, including:

• Preparation & Setup: meticulously cleaning, sanding, and masking surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and a flawless finish.
• Application & Quality: skillfully applying multiple, even coats of paint using precise techniques, while monitoring environmental conditions and inspecting the finish for quality.
• Fitting Activities: performing fitting activities in the wingbox production areas, including drilling and installing fasteners.

You'll continue your academic studies, working towards:

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

Upon successful completion of your 36-month apprenticeship, you'll become a skilled Surface Finish Fitter, specializing in the preparation and application of surface finishes and the ability to drill-off and assembly of both metallic and composite components.

Requirements:

To apply, you'll need:

• 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)

Please note that any offer will be conditional upon receiving evidence of your required grades, completing all pre-employment checks and online forms, and obtaining a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check.

What We Offer:

A competitive starting salary of £17,889, 35 hours per week, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, success share, and many more flexible benefits.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications, regardless of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.