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Engineering

Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Aerostructures

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
JR10425698
Minimum grades
GCSE Maths grade 4, GCSE English Language grade 4, GCSE Double Award Science grade 44 or Single Award Physics grade 4, plus 2 additional GCSEs at grade 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 Aerostructures Apprentice at Broughton and play a vital role in manufacturing wings for A320, A330, and A350 aircraft families. This 36-month program offers hands-on training, recognised qualifications, and a clear path to a rewarding career in aviation. Year One: Based at Coleg Cambria, Deeside, working towards NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations, City and Guild 2675 Level 2 in Aircraft Engineering, and Level 2 Essential Skills. Years 2-3: Join the Airbus Broughton site applying skills directly to live aircraft projects, rotating through various wing production areas every 6 months. Tasks include setting templates and jigs, precision drilling and bolting, and final fitting and assembly of wing box components. Continue academic studies on day release towards Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering BTEC L3 Certificate.

Requirements

Minimum five GCSEs including: Grade C or 4 in Maths (GCSE certificate only), Grade C or 4 in English Language (GCSE certificate only), Grade CC or 44 in Double Award Science OR Grade C/4 in Single Award Physics, plus 2 other GCSEs at grade C or 4. Passion for learning, hands-on teamwork and problem-solving activities. Must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. Subject to BPSS security check and potentially UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control.

Working week

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

Skills

aircraft assemblyprecision drillingboltingwing manufacturingtechnical drawingproblem-solvingteamworkCADquality assurance

Required qualifications

Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · English Language · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Double Award Science or Physics · Grade 44 or 4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade 4
Essential
NVQ · Performing Engineering Operations · Grade Level 2
Essential
City and Guilds · Aircraft Engineering · Grade Level 2
Essential
NVQ · Aeronautical Engineering · Grade Level 3
Essential
BTEC · Advanced Manufacturing Engineering · Grade Level 3

Training & development

Year One: NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations, City and Guild 2675 Level 2 in Aircraft Engineering, Level 2 Essential Skills at Coleg Cambria, Deeside. Years 2-3: Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering BTEC L3 Certificate on day release at Airbus Broughton.
Future prospects
Upon successful completion, you'll become a skilled aircraft fitter specialising in drill-off and assembly of metallic and composite components to produce wing box structures. You'll receive a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate.

Company benefits

Competitive starting salary of £19,185, 35 hours per week (standard working day or double-day shift pattern providing flexibility), 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Pension, Success share, Flexible benefits.

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. The global center of excellence for wing manufacturing, the Broughton site delivers over 500 wing sets annually. With over 17,500 employees worldwide, Airbus is the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe.
Website
airbus.com
Contact email
apprentices@airbus.com