Space Manufacturing Engineering Higher Technical Apprenticeship

Prestwick Aerosystems; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £22k

Pension

Success share

25 days holiday

Job summary

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited in Portsmouth invites applications for a Level 4 Higher Technical Apprenticeship. You will study toward an HNC in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering while gaining hands-on design and manufacturing experience in our on-site environment.

You will rotate across mechanical and electrical disciplines, participate in environmental testing, and contribute to payload integration. This four-year programme leads to a permanent role and potential security clearances.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English Language (or equivalent)
• Demonstrates passion for engineering through studies or hobbies
• UK Right to Work for duration of apprenticeship

Responsibilities

• See and understand how a satellite is built (apprenticeship context)
• Work on satellites in cleanrooms
• Run vibration, shock, thermal and EMC tests on site
• Support payload integration design
• Assist manufacture teams with assembly and testing of electronics

Education

HNC & HND in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Description: Start Date: 31st August 2027 Location: Airbus Defence & Space Portsmouth Duration: 4 years College: Havant and Southdowns College Qualification: HNC & HND in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Application closing date: Applications will be open until 4 January 2027. After this date, the advert will close once sufficient applications are received. Early submission is recommended. 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.

Benefits:

• Salary: £22,000 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 working on the largest space craft in the UK? Because that's what we do in Portsmouth; we design, build and test satellites! Interested in the thought that a year after this application, you could be in one of the largest clean-rooms in the space sector, integrating hardware onto a payload or helping develop some of the most technical advanced electronic equipment for space.. to then watch it launch into space later on? There are few other experiences like that! More detail is important: We’re part of Airbus Defence and Space – the biggest space company in Europe, and a major player in the UK’s growing space sector; 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. 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 4 Apprenticeship: Being a Higher Technical Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop both mechanical and electrical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating design and manufacturing environment.

What will you study?

You will study towards an HNC in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering with the possibility of attaining an HND should you be eligible. You will also attain a level 4 standard, which will run alongside the HNC course, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience on this apprenticeship.

What will you do?

• See and understand how a satellite is built
• Work on satellites in some of the UK's largest space industry cleanrooms
• Run vibration, shock, thermal and EMC tests in the Environmental test facilities on site
• Support the design of the payloads integration
• Help the manufacturing teams assemble and test world leading electronic hardware.

Apprenticeship programme details:

• Year 1: 40% Studying at Havant and Southdowns College (Southdowns Campus); 60% on Site, in our Early Careers Centre (the largest dedicated area in the UK Space Sector).
• Year 2, 3 & 4: 20% Studying at Havant and Southdowns College (Southdowns Campus); 80% On site, on placement rotations around different areas within the business.
• Year 4: Completing 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.

Post Apprenticeship Opportunities:

Over 95% of all apprentices who successfully complete the programme move into permanent roles within the business. Many of our senior leaders and early career managers were apprentices. Many apprentices go onto further education, supported by the business. Airbus is a multinational business, supported by businesses, suppliers and customers around the world. Many roles will require travel.

Requirements:

• In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship, you must achieve a minimum of: 5 GCSEs at C or above including a Grade 5/6 (B) in Maths and English Language or equivalent qualifications subject to validation
• Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following: Have a passion for engineering, which you will be able to demonstrate through your educational choices or hobbies. For example, you may have been part of an engineering club at school or perhaps you enjoy fixing mechanical and electrical things in your spare time

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.

Contact:

Contact: Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process. If you wish to discuss this further please contact via email [e-mail]. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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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

Other Notes:

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. 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. 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.