Structures Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Prestwick Aerosystems; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37 hours per week

Flexi days (up to 2 per month)

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension

Flexible benefits

Job summary

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited invites you to apply for a Structures Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship in Stevenage. The 3-year programme combines hands-on manufacturing experience with electrical and mechanical training, within a leading European space company.

Year 1 focuses on Level 2 Engineering Operative training (electrical pathway). Year 2 exposes you to satellite production, with small teams, learning assembly, wiring, and harness work.

Qualifications

• Aged 16–21 for funding eligibility.
• No Level 2 or higher qualification in Engineering, Aerospace, or related fields.
• Full on‑the‑job training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical assembly throughout the structures production area.
• Use of adhesives and bonding methods.
• Use of hand measuring tools to meet tolerances.
• Riveting and wire thread inserts (fitting/removal).
• Drilling and reaming torque loading.
• Follow drawings and tolerances on 3DX Electrical.
• Learn electrical techniques such as crimping, splicing, routing.
• End-to-end harness installation and electrical testing.
• Harness fault finding.

Skills

Strong communication

Reliability

Excellent work ethic

Can-do attitude

Education

Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537

GCSE Maths + English desirable

Job description

Job Details

Start date: 31st August 2027. Location: Stevenage. Duration: 3 years. College: North Herts College (Stevenage). Closing date for applications: 10h December 2026.

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!

Employment Type: Apprenticeship.

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 Structures Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop both Mechanical and Electrical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to launch your career in the fascinating world of space. As a Structures Manufacturing Technician Apprentice, you'll be part of a team that builds cutting‑edge satellite structures. You'll 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 Structures 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 spacecraft 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
• Riveting (Fitting and Removal)
• Wire thread inserts (Fitting and Removal)
• Drilling and Reaming Torque Loading
• Following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX Electrical
• Learn various Electrical Techniques such as Crimping, Splicing, Routing
• End to End Harness Installation
• Electrical testing and Harness fault finding

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.

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.

Company Information

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

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.

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Further Information

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