GE Aerospace, Test Technician Apprenticeship, Cheltenham, 2026 intake

GE Aviation; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation company is seeking a Test Technician Apprentice based in Cheltenham. This 3.5-year apprenticeship involves training in fault-finding products and completing a Level 4 qualification. Candidates should have GCSEs in Maths and English, and an enthusiasm for technology and teamwork. The position offers a structured training scheme and various development opportunities.

Benefits

Pension plan

Life Assurance

Private Medical Cover

26 days of holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Achieved or predicted 4x GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English at grades C/4.
• 3x A-Levels (or equivalent) at grades C or above, including Maths or Engineering.
• Motivated and enthusiastic team player.

Responsibilities

• Join the Cheltenham based Supply Chain on a 3.5-year rotational scheme.
• Train to fault-find on products down to component level.
• Participate in personal development activities and team-building.

Skills

STEM subject knowledge

Teamwork

Interest in technology

Problem-solving

Education

GCSEs including Maths and English

3x A-Levels including Maths or Engineering

Level 2 qualification equivalent

Job description

Overview

Job Description Summary: As a Test Technician Apprentice (TTA) you will join our Cheltenham based Supply Chain on a 3.5-year rotational scheme that will train you to be a Test Technician, enabling you to understand the end-to-end manufacturing process, down to component level, from a test perspective. You will study a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship - Electrical, completing an HNC/D qualification with Gloucestershire Engineering Training. Our apprenticeship focuses on personal, professional and academic development, and is an opportunity to begin a career as part of a global business within the aviation industry.

Role Profile: This apprenticeship is designed to train you to fault-find on products to component level, rotate through core business units, and specialize in your final year to refine technical competency and product knowledge.

Role Responsibilities

As a Test Technician Apprentice (TTA) you will:

• Join the Cheltenham based Supply Chain on a 3.5-year rotational scheme.
• Train to be a Test Technician, fault-finding on products down to component level.
• Study a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, completing an HNC/D with Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET) at their Barnwood, Gloucester teaching facilities. Teaching is typically delivered via 1-day college release each week during term time.
• Be trained in using manual and automated test equipment, support quality and engineering investigations, and learn to read electronic, digital and analogue circuit diagrams, ensuring paperwork meets governance requirements.
• Rotate through core business units (PCB, Avionics, Military Power, Civil Power, Aftermarket) to gain broad understanding; in the final year, begin to specialize.
• Participate in personal development activities, including soft skills development, mentoring, and potential participation in employee networks (e.g., Women’s network, STEM, Pride Alliance, Diversity Equity and Inclusion).
• Receive support from the Cohort Coach, Apprentice Manager, Rotation Managers, mentors, and the wider apprentice network to meet course requirements and maximize the apprenticeship experience.
• Understand that roll-off opportunities after completion are not limited to a single area within Supply Chain.
• Contribute to community and team-building activities and engage in off-the-job learning when on site.

Yearly Structure and Qualifications

Overview of the scheme:

• Year 1 & 2: Studying with Gloucestershire Engineering Training at Barnwood Campus; on-site placements; development of foundational tasks and team relationships; mentoring by older apprentices; enrichment involvement.
• Year 1: 5 HNC modules.
• Year 2: 3 HNC modules and 3 HND modules.
• Year 3 onwards: Increased integration in the team; portfolio development for End Point Assessment (EPA); continue work toward final qualification.
• Year 3 onwards: 5 HND modules; portfolio work for EPA.

Qualifications/Requirements

Please ensure you have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, the minimum grades below as set by our academic provider. Failure to meet these grades could mean you are not eligible to join the programme.

Essential

• Achieved, or predicted, 4x GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English at grades C/4 or above.
• Level 2 qualification equivalent to minimum of 4x GCSE, including Maths and English at grades C/4.
• 3x A-Levels (or equivalent), including Maths or Engineering, at grades C or above, or Level 3 qualification (BTEC, T-Level or equivalent) in Engineering/Manufacturing.

Please note, any offer of employment is conditional on successfully passing an entry exam, typically completed in advance of attending an assessment day.

GET sets this exam to ensure learners are at the right level of competence; GE Aerospace has no influence over content or marking of this exam.

Desired

• At least 1 STEM subject at Level 3.
• A motivated and enthusiastic team player.
• Interest in technology, electronics, and process improvement.
• Inquisitive and willing to try new things.
• Focus, organization, and a desire to learn.
• Creative and innovative problem solver.
• Keen to seek opportunities to learn and develop.

Recruitment Process

As part of the recruitment process, submit an initial CV application. Stages include a video interview, assessment centre and entry exam with the training provider. The recruitment team will keep you updated throughout the process. For adjustments to enable your best performance, please email [e-mail].

Please only submit one application. If you submit multiple applications, we will progress the most suitable one. If in future you are deemed suitable for other opportunities, we will automatically consider you for these too.

Please note our applications close on Sunday 16 November; they may close earlier depending on volumes. Apply early to avoid disappointment. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis; if successful at stage one, you will be invited to a video interview. All candidates will be contacted by 31 December 2025 to confirm progression to assessment centre, which is planned for January 2026.

Total Reward and Benefits

FlexChoice offers a flexible benefits plan with options to tailor benefits. Default in the benefit fund includes non-contributory Pension, Life Assurance, Group Income Protection, Private Medical Cover, and Holiday entitlement of 26 days with an option to buy/sell.

Security Clearance and Right to Work

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and maintained. If BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may be excluded from the role. Applications from candidates requiring sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered; however, sponsorship is not available for Early Careers opportunities. Further information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Additional Information

Relocation Provided: No