Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice L4 - Aerospace

Safran; Wales; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in the United Kingdom is seeking candidates for an apprenticeship role designed for individuals with a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Successful candidates will have the chance to gain hands-on experience across various departments, while completing a Higher National Certificate. This apprenticeship program emphasizes the development of practical skills and offers a pathway to a full-time role after completion. A passion for engineering and eagerness to learn are essential qualities for success.

Qualifications

• On track to achieve at least a merit in an Engineering-related BTEC Level 3.
• Completed GCSEs with grades A-C or 4-9 in key subjects.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through different areas of the organisation for hands-on experience.
• Provide engineering support to assembly lines and improve existing processes.
• Support new product development and evaluate designs.

Education

BTEC Level 3 qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

GCSEs in Maths, English, Science, and preferably a Technology subject

Job description

Overview

We're recruiting for several positions for candidates who already hold a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and are ready to take the next step in their career. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your learning in a real-world environment while completing a Higher National Certificate (HNC). The HNC is a two-year programme, during which you'll spend one day per week at the Newport and District Group Training Association (NDGTA)-located just across the road from our Cwmbran site. The remaining days will be spent gaining hands‑on experience within the business, working alongside skilled professionals and contributing to live projects. As part of your apprenticeship, you'll rotate through different areas of the organisation, giving you a broad understanding of how our teams work together to deliver industry‑leading products. Below are examples of departments you may work in:

• Manufacturing Engineering – Provide engineering support to assembly lines, helping introduce new products and improve existing processes. Design and refine systems, equipment, and manufacturing methods to ensure efficiency and safety. Review and approve engineering drawings, support change processes, and maintain accurate production data. Identify tooling and equipment needs, create specifications, and collaborate with suppliers.
• Industrialisation – Support new product development by reviewing designs, evaluating 3D models, and recommending improvements. Analyse manufacturing requirements, including tooling, equipment, capacity, and build times, while ensuring documentation and validation. Work collaboratively across engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and programme teams to meet milestones and uphold safety and quality standards.
• Final Assembly Line – Improve assembly operations by designing smarter systems and processes that enhance productivity and quality. Lead problem‑solving activities, eliminate waste, review engineering data, and ensure production teams are trained and equipped. Champion safety and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manufacturing Systems – Analyse 3D model data to determine make‑versus‑buy decisions. Manage and maintain system settings for manufactured and purchased items, ensuring data accuracy. Represent manufacturing in design change meetings and produce model release reports to support industrialisation.

The programme offers more than just an apprenticeship – it's a chance to develop advanced technical skills, gain real‑world experience, and build a career with a global leader in aerospace seating solutions. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to learn, we'll give you the tools and support to succeed.

Qualifications

• Successful candidates should ideally have or be on track to achieve at least a merit in an Engineering‑related BTEC Level 3.
• You should have completed your GCSEs, including Maths, English, Science, and preferably a Technology subject, at grades A–C or 4–9.

After Completing the HNC

You'll have the opportunity to secure a full‑time role within one of our departments or continue your apprenticeship by progressing to further study and achieving your HND.

About Safran

Safran is an international high‑technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defence and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defence industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking. Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. One million Safran Seats‑manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world.