Satellites Assemble, Integrate and Test Craft Apprenticeship (Level 2)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Flexi days (up to 2 per month)

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited in Stevenage is offering a Satellites AIT Craft Apprenticeship. You will split time between mechanical assembly and electrical work, learning to assemble, integrate and test satellite hardware. The programme is government-funded and provides hands-on training in a supportive environment.

The apprenticeship runs for three years, with a starting salary of £18,000 and 37 hours per week. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and be prepared for security clearance.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for funding: aged 16–21 and no Level 2+ qualification in Engineering, Aerospace or related fields.
• GCSE Maths and English desirable; Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 pathway included.
• Strong communication, reliability, good work ethic and problem-solving ability.

Responsibilities

• Year 1 study toward Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537, electrical pathway.
• Year 2 rotation through Satellites AIT Production, manufacturing satellite components.
• Year 3 on-site, refine hand skills while meeting business skills matrix.

Job description

Start date: 31st August 2027

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 3 years

College: North Herts College (Stevenage)

Closing date for applications: 30th January 2027

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 Satellites AIT Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop both Mechanical and Electrical skills at Satellite level to Assemble, Integrate and Test hardware to deliver world class products to the launch pad.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to launch your career in the fascinating world of Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test. As a Satellites AIT Craft Apprentice, you'll be part of a team and gain hands‑on experience in a supportive and innovative environment, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of technology.

This programme is perfect for those with a passion for both mechanical and electrical precision, a knack for problem‑solving, and a keen interest in seeing their work take flight. Join us in shaping the future of space exploration!

What you will be doing

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

Year 2: During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience our Satellites AIT Production area 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 Satellites using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.

Your key activities & responsibilities will be:

Mechanical Assembly

• Use of various different adhesives and bonding methods
• Use of hand measuring tools to meet tight tolerances
• Installation of various components to satellite structures
• Installation of various connector brackets
• Bonding of Heater Mats, Thermocouples and Thermostats to various surfaces
• Following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX

Electrical

• Perform electrical assembly, integration and modification of electrical systems (harness routing, electrical connection, soldering, crimping).
• Perform basic electrical tests (continuity, bonding, insulation, DC high voltage).
• Perform first level quality inspection.
• You will handle raw materials, tools, standard parts and components, documentation (technical instruction, work order, test procedure, job card, etc).

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

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.

Important Information:

Joint‑Venture: This Job Request will be allocated to the projected Joint‑Venture scope towards a leading European player in space.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING: This role is delivered as a government‑funded Level 2 Apprenticeship. For more information about the eligibility criteria, please check the link: Foundation apprenticeship

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 more information, please check the Government Website. Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.

AI Guidance: We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus http://airbus.com/en/careers/use-of-ai .

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Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type: Apprenticeship

Experience Level: Student

Job Family: Support to Management

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.