Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Prestwick Aerosystems; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexi days

Pension

Holiday entitlement (25 days + BH)

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited in Stevenage offers a 3-year Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprenticeship. Start date: 31st August 2027. You will study toward Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 while working in production areas to build satellite components.

Year 1 focuses on theory and hands-on practice; Year 2 covers diverse production areas and advanced techniques; Year 3 is on-site refinement of hand skills and business competencies.

Qualifications

• Aged 16–21; no Level 2 or higher in Engineering, Aerospace, or related fields.
• GCSE Maths and English grade 3 (or equivalent) desirable.
• No prior experience required; on-the-job training provided.

Responsibilities

• Blanks: produce high-quality aluminum panels following production plans and safety standards.
• Pipe bending: manufacture satellite propulsion pipework, prep and welding prep.
• CNC machining: set up and operate CNC machines to ensure smooth runs.

Skills

Strong communication

Reliability

Teamwork

Can-do attitude

Follow technical instructions

Education

GCSE Maths & English grade 3

Job description

Job Description

Start date: 31st August 2027

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 3 years

College: North Herts College (Stevenage)

Salary

A competitive starting salary of £18,000 37 hours per week // Up to 2 Flexi Days per month // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Plus many more flexible benefits!

About Us

Airbus is Europe’s number one Defence and Space enterprise, so what better way to start your Craft Apprenticeship than with an industry leader. Being a Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop Mechanical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment. As a Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a highly specialized and stimulating manufacturing environment. This is your chance to contribute to missions that will explore our solar system, protect our planet, and provide vital communication services. This role is for someone who wants to turn their passion for practical skills into a career that is literally out of this world! You will be immersed in a supportive team of experts who will mentor you as you build components that will endure the harsh realities of space.

What you will be doing

Year 1: You will study towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 on the materials and processing pathway, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience.

Year 2: During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience different Production Areas of the business which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how a Satellite is manufactured at Airbus Defence & Space. This includes working in small teams or on a one-to-one basis using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.

Year 3: You will be fully on-site, fine tuning your hand skills against the business skills matrix.

Key activities & responsibilities

• Blanks Produce high-quality aluminum composite panels according to production plans and quality standards. Follow standard processes, specific area requirements, and health and safety regulations. Promote and adhere to cleanroom regulations and 5S policy. Perform daily tasks including laminating, tooling, vacuum bagging, and working with various materials.
• Pipe Bending Manufacture pipework for our Satellite Propulsion systems. Use of our state-of-the-art pipe bending machine End prepping of pipes ready for precision clean and then welding Use of both Titanium and Stainless-Steel pipe of various diameters Precision Clean Use precision cleaning methods Use of various chemicals/acids Handling of propulsion pipework and various other parts and components Bag, seal and identify pipework, parts and components for transportation to the required areas and projects Treatments Surface finish measurements such as friction and paint thickness Application of surface finishes including aerospace approved primers and paints Grit blasting Conversion coatings and protective finishes Masking of hardware in preparation for spraying CNC Machining Use our state-of-the-art CNC machines Set the machines to run their programs Operate the machines and make sure they run smooth without era’s

Requirements

Funding Eligibility

Applicants must be aged 16–21* and cannot hold a Level 2 or higher qualification (e.g., NVQ, BTEC, HND, or Degree) in Engineering, Aerospace, or related technical fields. For more information, please consult Foundation Apprenticeships Criteria.

Education

No strict formal entry requirements, though a Grade 3 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English is desirable.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong communication, reliability, excellent work ethic, a can‑do attitude, and the ability to follow technical instructions and work well independently or in a team.
• No prior experience required—full on-the-job training will be provided.

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. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].

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. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world’s leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

#UK_APP 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.

Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited Employment Type: Apprenticeship ------- Experience Level: Student Job Family: Support to Management By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment.