Engineering
Craft Apprenticeship - Mechanical and Electrical
Airbus Operations Limited · Weston College
Location
Bristol
Salary
£19,185 per year
Duration
4 years and 3 months
Hours per week
35h
Positions available
1
Level
Level 3 – Advanced
Qualification
Engineering Technician Level 3 - Pathway 1. Aerospace Manufacturing Fitter
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
15 November 2026
Vacancy reference
JR10428318
Minimum grades
GCSE Maths grade C/4 (B/5 preferred), GCSE English grade C/4, plus 3 additional GCSEs at grade C/4
Disability Confident
✓ Yes
Apprenticeships are open from age 16, once you have finished Year 11 (S4 in Scotland).
About the role
An exciting opportunity to join the Filton Plant in the wing build production environment as a Craft Mechanical and Electrical Apprentice. You will gain qualifications with no fees, acquire new skills through vocational training, and receive a regular salary. On completion, you will become a Skilled Mechanical and Electrical Fitter with a Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing and Aviation knowledge. Year 1 involves full-time study at Weston College (Semester 1) followed by 2 days per week onsite at Airbus Filton with college days (Semester 2). Years 2-3 involve on-site work at Airbus Filton with 1 day college release per week, rotating around operational areas. Year 4 is based full-time at the workplace. On-site work follows a shift pattern from 06:30am to 3:45pm. Work includes drilling, reaming, countersinking, automated drilling equipment, fastening & sealing, sub and major assembly of aircraft components, fuel, hydraulic, pneumatic & electrical installation, and system function testing.
Requirements
Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs which must include: Grade C or 4 in Maths (B or 5 preferred), Grade C or 4 in English, Plus 3 other GCSEs at grade C or 4. Other qualifications that are equivalent or higher may be considered as an alternative to the additional 3 GCSEs (subject to validation). Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. You must be comfortable with working at height and in confined spaces when required. A colour blindness test may also be required. Subject to BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check and potentially UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control depending on the role.
Working week
35 hours per week with half day Fridays. Shift pattern 06:30am to 3:45pm on-site (may be subject to change).
Skills
Drilling and reamingCountersinkingAutomated drilling equipment operationFastening and sealingAircraft assemblyFuel system installationHydraulic system installationPneumatic system installationElectrical installationSystem function testingTechnical drawing interpretationManufacturing instructions understanding
Required qualifications
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade C or 4
Desired
GCSE · Maths · Grade B or 5
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade C or 4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade C or 4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade C or 4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade C or 4
Training & development
Year 1: Full-time study at Weston College (Semester 1), then 2 days per week on-site at Airbus Filton with college days (Semester 2). Years 2-3: On-site at Airbus Filton rotating around operational areas with 1 day per week college release. Year 4: Full-time on-site work. Skills developed include drilling, reaming, countersinking, use of automated drilling equipment, fastening & sealing, sub and major assembly of aircraft components, fuel, hydraulic, pneumatic & electrical installation, and system function testing.
Additional training
Engineering Technician Level 3 qualification in Aerospace Manufacturing Fitter pathway. Candidates must be comfortable working at height and in confined spaces. A colour blindness test may be required.
Future prospects
Upon completion, you will become a Skilled Mechanical and Electrical Fitter with a Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing and Aviation knowledge, prepared for a career as an Aircraft Fitter (Electrical & Mechanical).
Company benefits
35 hours per week with half day Fridays. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. Pension. Success share. Flexible benefits available.
Things to consider
Comfortable working at height and in confined spaces required. Colour blindness test may be required. Subject to BPSS security clearance and potentially UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control. Must have right to work in the UK. Apprenticeship roles do not meet minimum requirements for UK Visas & Immigration migrant worker sponsorship. Any offer is conditional upon receiving evidence of required grades 24 hours after results day and completion of all pre-employment checks and online forms. Shift pattern 06:30am to 3:45pm (may be subject to change). Multiple applications can be made but only one position can be progressed at a time.
About Airbus Operations Limited
Airbus Operations Limited. Filton Plant is responsible for the complete wing assembly and equipping of the A400M aircraft. To date, over 270 wings have been delivered across the world. Filton Plant also completes the Equipped Gear Beam assembly for the A350 aircraft, the critical structural interface between the wing and landing gear.
Website
www.airbus.comContact email
apprentices@airbus.com
If this one works out
This role is in Bristol. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £650–£900 a month.