Production Apprentice

GKN Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in the UK is offering an apprenticeship program where candidates will learn hands-on manufacturing and engineering skills while getting paid. Successful applicants will receive training from experienced mentors in a supportive, inclusive environment. This role involves building parts and operating advanced machinery, providing a unique opportunity in the field of aerospace innovation.

Benefits

Starting salary of £15,028.73

Half day finish on Fridays

25 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Discounts on shops and brands

Top-tier pension scheme

Life assurance and income protection

Access to a 24/7 support programme

Virtual GP appointments

Qualifications

• Candidates should be ready to learn and improve throughout the apprenticeship.
• A positive attitude and the ability to work in a team are essential.
• Curiosity about how things work is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Build parts, test systems, and operate advanced machines.
• Gain hands-on experience in a live production setting.
• Participate in classroom learning combined with practical application.

Skills

Willingness to Learn

Positive Attitude

Curiosity

Education

4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above

Functional Skills Level 2

Entry Level 2 in English and Maths

Job description

Overview

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! We’re inspired by opportunities to innovate and break boundaries, with a commitment to sustainability and global collaboration. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

What You22d

Ready to build something amazing?

Our four-year Apprenticeship Programme gives you a chance to dive into cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering — no experience needed. You’ll learn by doing, get paid while you train, and grow your skills alongside experienced mentors who will support you all the way.

At GKN Aerospace, in partnership with Weston College, we’ll teach you the skills you need to succeed – combining classroom learning with hands-on experience in real, industry-focused environments. With our expert support, your curiosity, and a can-do attitude, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

Build Your Future in Aerospace!

In this hands-on role, you’ll be part of a team delivering the future—building parts, testing systems, and working with powerful tech and tools. You will gain real transferable skills that matter, from operating advanced machines to turning complex ideas into reality. Your work helps aircraft take flight – it’s exciting, practical, and open to everyone. If you enjoy problem solving, teamwork, and making things happen, this is your launch pad to a powerful future.

What You22d Bring

• Willingness to Learn — You're open to new ideas, ready to take on feedback, and always looking to grow. You don’t need to know everything now — just be ready to learn and improve every step of the way.
• Positive Attitude — You bring energy, enthusiasm, and a ‘can-do’ mind set to whatever you’re working on. Even when things get challenging, you stay focused and keep pushing forward.
• Curiosity — You like to ask questions, explore how things work, and understand the bigger picture. You’re interested in the details and eager to find out more.

You’ll be part of a team that’s got your back from day one – with awesome people ready to support you, guide you, and celebrate your wins. We’re all about creating a friendly, inclusive space where everyone can learn, grow, and smash their goals. We offer two pathways: Production and Technical Support Technician, each with its own focus and opportunities.

To join us on our Production Apprenticeship, you’ll need:

• 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English, or Functional Skills Level 2.
• We also welcome applications from those with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs), where minimum Entry Level 2 in English and Maths is required.

If you’ve got the drive, we’ll help you build the skills.

What We'll Offer

Programme Structure:

• Year 1 — This is all about getting you ready to hit the ground running. You’ll build the core skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed in years 2–3, with the right mix of learning, support, and hands-on prep to make it happen.
• Years 2 & 3 — You’ll rotate through different areas of the business, gaining hands-on experience and expanding your knowledge. You’ll have regular check-ins with your mentor to track your progress, while continuing your college studies one day a week.
• Year 4 — In your final placement, you’ll focus on one of the pathways, build specialist skills, and complete your final assessments, all leading to your apprenticeship qualification.

At GKN Aerospace, we commit to teaching and supporting you to:

• Work safely and accurately by following engineering instructions, health & safety regulations, and quality procedures — we’ll guide you every step of the way.
• Build strong technical, hands-on skills in a live production setting, learning how to contribute to high-performance aerospace manufacturing.
• Attend college or training sessions regularly, complete assignments on time, and apply what you learn in the workplace with our full support.
• Keep clear records of your work, track your development, and review progress regularly with your dedicated mentor, helping you stay on course and grow.

Perks You'll Love

When you join us, you’re not just starting a job — you’re stepping into a future with real rewards. Here’s what you’ll get:

• A starting salary of £15,028.73
• Half day finish on Fridays
• 25 days of holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Discounts on your favourite shops and brands
• A top-tier pension scheme — we boost your savings for the future
• Life assurance and income protection
• Access to a 24/7 support programme
• Virtual GP appointments for you and your close family

Ready to let your career take off? Start your journey with a GKN Aerospace apprenticeship and be part of world-class manufacturing at its finest. At GKN Aerospace, innovation, precision, and advanced technology come together to shape the future of flight – and you could be right at the heart of it. Apply now!

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry, and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to Work Needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us “The Best Workplace Culture Award.” By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.