Dowty - Quality Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship 2027

GE Aerospace; Tewkesbury2; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Non-contributory Pension

Life Assurance

Group income protection

Private medical cover

Holiday allowance 26 days (buy/sell)

Job summary

GE Aerospace invites applicants for a Quality Practitioner Apprentice role within the Dowty site in Gloucestershire. You will support AS9100D, Part 145, and Part 21G compliance while building practical aviation quality assurance skills.

You will complete online and college-based training, join a team focused on audits, data analysis, and continuous improvement, and progress into more responsibility within the apprenticeship network.

Qualifications

• Achieved or predicted 4 GCSEs including Mathematics and English.
• Interest in aerospace, aviation, or manufacturing quality systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with internal audits and compliance monitoring across QMS and SMS.
• Support shop floor Quality Control activities in supply chain quality.
• Assist with Corrective Action Planning, tracking and closure verification.
• Maintain document control records and ensure version accuracy.
• Support data entry and analysis for quality metrics and trend reporting.
• Assist with preparation of audit packs and evidence for regulatory oversight.
• Participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Regulatory frameworks

Organised

Deadlines

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Team participation

Education

GCSEs including Mathematics and English

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a Quality Practitioner Apprentice you will work within the Quality department which oversees various aspects of our Quality Management System. Quality plays a key role to ensure our products are consistent, improve our manufacturing processes and ensure customer confidence. You will cover topics such as quality management systems, internal auditing, root cause analysis and process performance.

Your new skills will enable our organisation to continue the manufacture of propellers for large aircraft, including the C130J Hercules. You will study online to obtain a Quality Practitioner Level 4 with Clear Quality, and also complete some engineering topics at GET – Gloucestershire Engineering Training. Participants graduate with a Level 4 Certificate recognised by the Quality Institute (CQI).

Job Description

Are you ready to see your future take flight? At GE Aerospace, we are advancing aviation technologies for today and tomorrow. Your work will contribute to the production of advanced jet engines, components, and integrated systems that power commercial and military aircraft. You’ll be part of a team that embraces your drive, your curiosity, and your unique ideas and perspectives. Most importantly, you’ll share in our pride and purpose that affects the lives of millions around the world!

This opportunity is offered at Dowty, a GE Aerospace business based in Brockworth site.

Dowty, a GE Aerospace company, is based in Gloucestershire. It is a world-leading supplier of electronically controlled, composite propeller systems for A wide range of civil and military applications, including commercial airliners and military airlifters to multi-role seaplanes and marine hovercraft.

Key programs include the Lockheed Martin C-130J, the De-Haviland, Dash 8-400 and the Leonardo C-27J.

Operated by a highly skilled workforce, Dowty’s’ in-house production expertise for composite blades includes application of resin transfer moulding processes, which have been continuously evolved and perfected since 1976; and the use of braiding machines that rapidly and accurately apply the blades’ fibre outer layers.

Role Description

As a Quality Practitioner you will support the Quality department in maintaining compliance with AS9100D, Part 145, and Part 21G requirements while developing practical skills in aviation quality assurance, audit support, and continuous improvement.

You will

• Assist with internal audits and compliance monitoring activities across QMS and SMS functions
• Support supply chain Quality in shop floor Quality Control activities
• Support Corrective Action Planning, tracking, and closure verification
• Help maintain document control records and ensure version accuracy
• Support data entry and analysis for quality metrics and trend reporting
• Assist with preparation of audit packs and evidence gathering for Regulatory oversight
• Participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement activities

You will be supported by your line manager, plus placement managers, mentors, and the wider apprentice network, to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your course and getting the most out of your apprenticeship.

Overview of the scheme

Length of Program: 2 years plus End Point Assessment, up to 6 months completion of EPA.

The first year is online work-based training with Clear Quality, where you will undertake monthly tutor-led lessons for each module. After each session, learners complete an assignment designed to apply their learning within the workplace. Concurrently you will be assigned some engineering topics to be completed at college with GET Engineering Training. You will have up to 2 years to complete all the training, plus EPA time. You will based in the workplace fulltime whilst you are training which will assist you in completing your assignments.

As you progress through the years you will become a more integrated member of the team, taking on more responsibilities in your department and within the apprenticeship community.

Qualifications/Requirements

Please ensure you have achieved or are predicted these grades or above as these are the minimum requirements to join this apprenticeship. Failure to meet these grades could mean you are not eligible to join the programme.

Essential

A successful candidate would have, or be expected to achieve by the start of the apprenticeship:

• Achieved or predicted 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or equivalent, including Mathematics, English.

Desired Characteristics

• Pass in a Science subject.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn regulatory frameworks
• Able to roll up your sleeves and get involved in projects
• Organised & able to work towards deadlines
• Inspired and curious to learn
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Able to take ownership for projects
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Able to work as part of a team
• Interest in aerospace, aviation, or manufacturing quality systems

Total Reward

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice, and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE, we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs.

• Non-contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post.

Further, sponsorship is not available for our Early Careers opportunities. For further information please visit the UK Visa & Immigration Website.