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Engineering

Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Machining

Airbus Operations Limited
Location
Broughton
Salary
£19,185 per year
Duration
36 months
Hours per week
35h
Positions available
1
Level
Level 2 – Intermediate
Qualification
Level 3
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
15 December 2026
Vacancy reference
JR10425737
Minimum grades
GCSE Maths grade 4+, GCSE English Language grade 4+, GCSE Science (Double Award CC/44 or Single Physics C/4), plus 2 additional GCSEs at grade C or 4
Disability Confident
✓ Yes

Apprenticeships are open from age 16, once you have finished Year 11 (S4 in Scotland).

About the role

Join Airbus as a Craft Machining Apprentice in Airbus Broughton and play a vital role in manufacturing wings for our A320, A330, and A350 aircraft families. This 36-month program offers valuable hands-on training, recognised qualifications, and a clear path to a rewarding career in aviation. Year One: Based at Coleg Cambria, Bersham Road, Wrexham, working towards NVQ L2 diploma in Performing engineering operations, City & Guild 2850 Level 2 In Machining, and Level 2 Essential Skills. Years 2 and 3: Based at Airbus Broughton, you'll join the expert team of Machinists within the machine shop area, supporting the manufacture of wing skins, panels and stringers for various Airbus aircraft, while attending college on day release working towards Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering and City & Guild 2850 Level 3 Machining.

Requirements

Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs which must include: Grade C or 4 in Maths (GCSE certificate only - no equivalency accepted), Grade C or 4 in English Language (GCSE certificate only - no equivalency accepted), Grade CC or 44 in Double Award Science OR Grade C/4 in Single award in Physics. Plus 2 other GCSEs at grade C or 4. Passion for learning, enjoy hands-on work, teamwork and problem-solving activities. Must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.

Working week

35 hours per week on either a standard working day or a double-day shift pattern, providing flexibility

Skills

machiningaircraft manufacturingproblem-solvingteamworkhands-on technical skillssafety compliance

Required qualifications

Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · English Language · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Science · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade 4
Desired
NVQ · Performing engineering operations · Grade Level 2
Desired
City & Guilds · Machining · Grade Level 2
Desired
Diploma · Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering · Grade Level 3
Desired
City & Guilds · Machining · Grade Level 3

Training & development

Year 1: NVQ L2 diploma in Performing engineering operations, City & Guild 2850 Level 2 In Machining, Level 2 Essential Skills at Coleg Cambria. Years 2-3: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering (Machining Bias Units), City & Guild 2850 Level 3 Machining via day release college whilst working at Airbus Broughton on live aircraft manufacturing.
Future prospects
Upon successful completion of the 36-month apprenticeship, you'll become a skilled Machinist working within the Large component manufacture (LCM) team supporting world-class Airbus aircraft. You'll receive a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate.

Company benefits

35 hours per week (on either a standard working day or a double-day shift pattern, providing flexibility), 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Pension, Success share, Flexible benefits, Gen A support network and learning HUB providing additional support, events, and opportunities for all early career participants.

About Airbus Operations Limited

Airbus is a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, leading the way in designing, manufacturing, and delivering aerospace products across Commercial Aircraft, Helicopters, Defence, and Space sectors. As the global center of excellence for wing manufacturing, the Broughton site delivers over 500 wing sets annually. With over 17,500 employees worldwide and as the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, Airbus is at the forefront of the aviation industry.
Website
airbus.com
Contact email
apprentices@airbus.com