Craft Apprenticeship - Mechanical and Electrical

Craft Apprenticeship - Mechanical and Electrical

Start date: September 2026

Location: Filton, Bristol

Duration: 3 years and 3 months

College: Weston College

Standard: ST0457 Engineering Technician Level 3 - Pathway 1. Aerospace Manufacturing Fitter

Application closing date: We encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out on this opportunity. We will close adverts as soon as we receive sufficient applications.

Salary: A competitive starting salary of £17,889

35 hours per week // Half day Fridays! // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Success share // Plus many more flexible benefits!

During the programme you will gain qualifications with no fees while developing new skills through vocational training and 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. This apprenticeship is your first step towards becoming an Aircraft Fitter (Electrical & Mechanical).

Year 1: Semester 1 (September to January) full-time study at Weston College. Semester 2 (February to June) on-site at Airbus Filton for 2 days per week with remaining days at Weston College.

Years 2 and 3: On-site at Airbus Filton. Rotate through several operational areas to build skills and knowledge for integration into the Plant. 1 day release with Weston College during this period.

On-site shift pattern is from 06:30am to 3:45pm (subject to change). You will work on manufacturing and engineering instructions and drawings to assemble components and sub-assemblies for the A400M Wing.

• Drilling, reaming and countersinking
• Use of automated drilling equipment
• Fastening & sealing
• Sub and major assembly of aircraft components
• Fuel, hydraulic, pneumatic & electrical installation
• System function testing

Due to the nature of tasks, you should be comfortable with heights and confined spaces when required. A colour blindness test may also be required.

To be eligible for this apprenticeship you must:

• Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs including Maths (Grade C/4 or higher; Grade B/5 preferred) and English (Grade C/4)
• Plus 3 other GCSEs at Grade C/4, or equivalent
• Other qualifications that are equivalent or higher may be considered (subject to validation)

To be a successful candidate you should:

• Have a passion for learning, hands-on work, teamwork and problem solving
• Submit your CV with predicted/achieved GCSE grades
• Include a cover letter stating your motivation for this role

We want to get to know you—not just your grades. In your cover letter tell us:

• Why Airbus and what excites you about starting a career with us
• Why a hands-on apprenticeship and what you have done to learn by doing
• Any hands-on activities or hobbies showing practical skills (DIY projects, building/fixing things, tinkering, models, baking, etc.)

• Grades: Offer conditional upon evidence of required grades and successful pre-employment checks
• Security clearance: BPSS check; may require UK SC level or Export Control clearance
• Right to work in the UK: Must have legal authorisation for the full duration of the programme
• AI guidance: Guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment available at Airbus
• Contact: for adjustments or to discuss recruitment process accessibility

Airbus Operations Limited is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes all applicants regardless of background. We do not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment.