Project Management Degree Apprenticeship

Prestwick Aerosystems; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

25 days holiday

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Portsmouth is offering a Level 6 Project Management Apprenticeship. You will develop across placements in PMO, procurement and production, taking responsibility for project plans, schedules, and cost controls.

You’ll study for a BEng (Hons) in Project Management at Portsmouth University and work with mentors to gain practical, on-the-job experience. Applicants need strong maths/physics/electronics background and UCAS points, plus a genuine interest in space and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 104 UCAS points with 2–3 A levels at BCC or above (Maths/Physics/Electronics) or equivalent BTEC/Diploma, plus GCSE maths/english at C/4 or above.
• Strong interest in space & engineering; CV with grades; Cover Letter highlighting suitability.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver projects across PMO, procurement and production.
• Manage supplier relationships and report on budgets, schedules and risks.
• Support bids, tenders and contract management; participate in rotations and training with mentors.

Skills

Project management

Planning

Scheduling

Budget reporting

Risk management

Education

BEng (Hons) Project Management

Job description

Job Details

Start date: 31st August 2027
Location: Airbus Defence & Space Portsmouth
Duration: 4 years
University: University of Portsmouth
Degree: BSc (Hons) Project Management
Application closing date: Applications will be open until 26 October 2026. After this date, the advert will close once sufficient applications are received. Early submission is recommended.

Benefits

• Salary: £23,000
• 37 hours per week // Half day Fridays!* // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Success share // Plus many more flexible benefits! *subject to completing full hours prior to this

About us

Ever thought about being a project manager in the biggest Space company in Uk & Europe, contributing to the delivery of the largest space craft in the UK? Because that's what we do in Portsmouth; we design, build and test satellites! What do we make? Advanced satellites that help monitor climate change, keep the world connected, and even power your favourite TV shows. (Yep, all national satellite TV in the UK? That’s us.) Our team in Portsmouth builds the “brains” of the satellite – the payload. It’s where the real magic happens, and we lead the world in some of the tech we make and use! The satellites we help build weigh up to 6 tonnes and are launched into space to beam TV, internet, and secure communications around the globe – including to military teams on the move. Oh, and it’s not just about space. We also support maritime satellite terminals – that means keeping ships and crews connected across oceans, no matter where they are in the world. So yes, you could help connect people literally everywhere – from sea to sky. Whether you’re into tech, space, creativity, or just want to work on something that actually matters – this could be your launchpad. We need project managers in production, procurement, planning, scheduling, and many other business functions. Apprentices join us from all different backgrounds, from all over the UK! So no matter where you're from, what school or college you went to, we encourage you to apply!

What you will be doing

Our Level 6 project Management Apprenticeship Pathway: Being a degree apprentice at Airbus Defence and Space means you will get to develop skills across a range of project manager competencies and skills, across placements within the business. Taking responsibility for updating your own project plans and schedules, ensuring deliveries are on time, cost and quality, managing risk and issues and providing regular reports to all project stakeholders. Through-out your journey, you will be surrounded by technical experts, industry leaders and fellow early careers.

What will you study?

You will study towards an BEng (Hons) in Project Management at Portsmouth University in a day release format. We have been collaborating with Portsmouth University on the delivery of this course for some years, and therefore you will join early careers cohorts who are already in the later years of their programmes, bringing a strong peer support network when you start. See more details of the course here.

What will you do?

We have an apprenticeship where you can learn to (amongst other things)… Learn and understand the roles of project managers across the business: Project Management Office (PMO), Project Manager, Procurement and Supplier Management, Production and facility management; Collaborate with multi-functional teams to deliver the latest internal projects; Manage supplier relationships; Manage and report on budgets; Forward Load planning; Improvement and Performance management; Risk management; Support bids, tenders and contract management; Work closely with mentors while progressing through university studies and structured on-the-job training. *Depending on project timescales, work load and availability, some elements described above may not be achieved over the placement rotations - but your personal development criteria and interests will be reviewed and reasonable adjustments can be made if necessary.

Structure

The apprenticeship programme is 4 years, broken down into two core phases; Year 1 & 2: 80% on Site, over a planned structure of internal placements across the business lines; 20% Day Release study at Portsmouth University. Year 3: Specialise towards permanent role; 80% on site, developing speciality competencies into "hiring department"; 20% Day Release study at Portsmouth University. Year 4: Complete Degree (20% Day Release study at Portsmouth University until conclusion); Complete the End Point Assessment (part of the apprenticeship); Securing your "permanent role" as you leave the apprenticeship and enter the business as a full time employee. We have a broad range of engineering disciplines on site, which can provide you with an equally broad range of experiences during the rotation phase. You will be part of an apprenticeship cohort during the programme. You will work closely together to succeed during your learning, projects and events at work or at college, and extra curricular events such as the Outward Bound week and Outreach activities.

Requirements

• In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship, you must have a minimum of: 104 UCAS points made up of 2 or 3 A levels at BCC or above which must include relevant subjects such as Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Physics and Electronics OR BTEC extended diploma at DMM or above OR T Level at Merit or above AND GCSE with grade C/4 or above in Maths and English Language or Functional Skills Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following: A strong interest in space & engineering; Submit your CV stating your grades and if they are predicted or achieved; Submit a Cover Letter highlighting your passion and suitability for this apprenticeship.

Important Information

GRADES: If you are on predicted grades, your offer will be conditional to achieving the position’s requirements before the apprenticeship start date.

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 for the full duration of the programme. For more information, please check the Government Website.

LEVY FUNDING: Successful candidates must be eligible for the levy funding. Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.

Company

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited Employment Type: Apprenticeship ------- Experience Level: Student Job Family: Support to Management

Consent

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. This information will only be used by Airbus.

EEO and Inclusion Statement

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].

Flexibility and Sustainability

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.

Additional Information

From sending your resume to participating in successful interviews, here you can access all important pieces of information to guide you in your candidate journey. Learn more