Panels Manufacturing Technician L2 Apprenticeship

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

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Stevenage is offering an apprenticeship as a Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice. You will develop mechanical skills while working on complex Satellite Panels in a stimulating environment. Ideal for individuals eager to learn through practical work, this role requires no prior experience, just a willingness to engage in hands-on activities. Strong communication and a good work ethic are essential. This opportunity provides a chance to contribute to innovative aerospace projects.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Up to 2 Flexi Days per month

Pension

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• No strict entry requirements for college although a Grade 3 in Maths and English would be desirable.
• Good communication skills, good time keeping, an excellent work ethic and a can-do attitude are most important.
• No prior experience is necessary; we will provide all the training you need to succeed.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical skills in a manufacturing environment.
• Gain hands-on experience on large Satellite Panels.
• Complete various tasks in teams focused on manufacturing.

Skills

Good communication skills

Excellent work ethic

Ability to follow technical instructions

Education

Grade 3 in Maths and English

Job description

Job Description:

Start date: September 2026

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 3 years

Application: We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for, however, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

Apply early to avoid missing out — we may close adverts once we receive sufficient applications.

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 Panels 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 Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience in a highly specialized and stimulating manufacturing environment. You'll develop essential mechanical skills while working on large, complex Satellite Panels that are then built into a Satellite Structure.

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 to manufacture Spacecraft Panels, Mirror Bonding and Treatments using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.

Your key activities & responsibilities will be:

• Panel Assembly
• Use of various different adhesives
• Use of hand measuring tools to meet tight tolerances
• Installation of various panel features (potting inserts, riveting, edge taping)
• Following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX

• Final Assembly
• Installation of panel features including Ty-bases, MLI (multi-layer insulated blankets) studs, connector brackets & cleats and brackets using laser technology
• Heat pipe installation to extremely tight tolerances as low as 0.15mm

• Mirror bonding
• Use of silicone adhesive to install SSM (second surface mirrors) to various types of panels and spacecraft features.
• Cutting mirrors with diamond tip pens to extreme accuracy

• 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

During the 2nd year of the apprenticeship, you will attend a week of Team Building Activities and Exercises at one of the Outward-Bound UK Sites. Split up into teams consisting of Apprentices of all levels from various Airbus Defence and Space sites, you will work as a team to complete daily activities such as Rock Climbing, Hiking, Abseiling, Canoeing and more

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

Requirements:

• No strict entry requirements for college although a Grade 3 in Maths and English would be desirable.
• Being able to demonstrate good communication skills, good time keeping, an excellent work ethic and a can-do attitude are most important.
• Be able to work both within a team or individually.
• Be able to follow technical instructions.
• No prior experience is necessary; we will provide all the training you need to succeed.

BOOST YOUR APPLICATION:

• Why Airbus? What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? Is it our aircraft, innovation, global impact, or something else? Let us know what interests you about our work and why we stand out to you.
• Why a hands-on apprenticeship? Why do you want to learn by doing? We’d love to hear what draws you to practical, skills-based learning.
• Show your hands-on experience. In your CV or cover letter, include any hands-on activities or hobbies where you've used practical skills. These could be things like: DIY projects, Building and fixing things, Doing make-up or beauty work, Tinkering and Tech Projects, Building models, Baking or cooking, Others

Show Us What You've Built! We love seeing what you are passionate about. If you've worked on any hands-on projects—whether it's building, baking, fixing something —we'd be thrilled to see it! Feel free to attach photos, documents, or a short video showcasing a project you're proud of. This isn’t a requirement, but it’s a fantastic way to give us a glimpse of your practical skills. We can't wait to see your work!

Important Information:

GOVERNMENT FUNDING: This job is offered as a government funded Apprenticeship, subject to eligibility for Apprenticeship Levy Funding. To qualify applicants must meet certain criteria - such as not already holding a qualification at the same or higher level in the same subject area and be eligible under current Apprenticeship funding rules. This job may be particularly suitable for school or college leavers looking to take their first step into the Aerospace industry, though all eligible applicants are welcome to apply.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check. You may also need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role.

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.

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.