Join Airbus as an apprentice in the Structures Test Team at the Aerospace Integrated Research and Test Centre (AIRTeC) in Filton, Bristol. This is a state-of-the-art research and testing facility supporting Airbus's advanced aircraft wing design and development. You will validate the strength and durability of cutting-edge materials and structural components used across all Airbus aircraft programmes, including next-generation sustainable technologies like hydrogen propulsion, ultra-flexible wings, and blended wing body aircraft. Year 1 involves full-time study at Weston College (Semester 1) followed by 2 days per week onsite at Airbus (Semester 2). Years 2-3 are primarily on-site at Airbus Filton, and Year 4 is full-time at the workplace. Core activities include machining tasks, mechanical assembly, test instrumentation installation, metrology techniques, cable manufacture, control and data acquisition systems, and laboratory-based activities. Two role-specific options available: General Test Operations (broader exposure across all structural testing) or Calibration-Focused (strong emphasis on metrology and calibration activities with calibration engineers).

Year 1: Semester 1 (September to January) full-time studying at Weston College. Semester 2 (February to June) 2 days per week onsite at Airbus Filton with other days at Weston College. Years 2-3: On-site at Airbus Filton learning practical skills and technical knowledge. Year 4: Full-time based at workplace. Training covers machining tasks using lathes, mills and surface grinders, mechanical assembly of test specimens and rigs, installation of test instrumentation including sensors and cameras, metrology techniques for precise physical measurements, cable manufacture and connector creation, and control and data acquisition systems. Role-specific training available in either general test operations or calibration-focused specialisation with metrology and calibration engineers.

Opportunities to travel to other Airbus sites (e.g., Hamburg, Toulouse) and external suppliers to provide support and gain international experience. Structured professional development through academic learning and hands-on projects. Ability to specialise in areas aligned with interests—whether mechanical testing, data acquisition, or advanced calibration and metrology.

35 hours per week with half day Fridays, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, success share, and many more flexible benefits. Airbus supports flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

Airbus is a world-leading aerospace company. The Structures Test Team operates within the Aerospace Integrated Research and Test Centre (AIRTeC), a £100 million state-of-the-art research and testing facility in Filton, Bristol. One of three key testing centres within Airbus, it is responsible for validating the strength and durability of cutting-edge materials and structural components used across all Airbus aircraft programmes, including next-generation sustainable technologies like hydrogen propulsion, ultra-flexible wings, and blended wing body aircraft.