Apprentice Design Engineer

Summary

Are you passionate about aviation and mechanical design? Do you have a strong interest in becoming part of a cutting-edge team at Airbus Helicopters, the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer? We're on the lookout for three Apprentice Design Engineers to join our innovative team at Airbus Helicopters UK (AHUK).

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:00 Hrs.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 26 August 2025

Duration

3 years

Positions available

3

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

As an Apprentice Design Engineer, you’ll assist in developing mechanical design solutions for a variety of Airbus helicopters, ranging from mission equipment to cabin configurations. You’ll also have the chance to:

Work alongside experienced engineers to develop cost-effective design solutions
Gain hands-on experience with AutoCAD and other industry-standard CAD tools
Progress into a Mechanical Design Engineer role with ongoing support and mentorship
Study at Abingdon & Witney College one day per week, while balancing hands-on work with your qualification journey

Where you’ll work

Oxford Airport
Kidlington
Oxford
OX5 1QZ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Your training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Your training plan

Study at Abingdon & Witney College one day per week.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Any x 2 (grade 4)
English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)
Science (grade 4)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

ICT (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Administrative skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Basic understanding of CAD

About this company

Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer and the company’s site at Oxford Airport is Britain’s civil helicopter hub. AHUK offers considerable experience in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance and spares support. Its in-house engineering capabilities include design, customisation, installation, flight-testing and certification, as well as technical support, maintenance, training and the supply of spares for civil and military applications.

https://tinyurl.com/Airbus-Helicopters-UK (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Private Medical Insurance. Pension. Bikes to Work. Employee purchase scheme. Employee car purchase scheme. Health-care. Cash Scheme. Personal Accident Insurance. Health Assessments. Travel Insurance. Financial/Legal Advice.

After this apprenticeship

Mechanical Design Engineer.

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