Operations Apprentice

GKN AEROSPACE SERVICES LIMITED

Bristol (BS35 4GG)

Closes in 22 days (Friday 27 March 2026)

Posted on 5 March 2026

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Summary

In this hands-on role, you’ll be part of a team delivering the future - building parts, testing systems, and working with powerful tech and tools - don’t worry, we’ll teach you how! You will gain real transferable skills that matter, from operating advanced machines to turning complex ideas into reality. 

Wage

£15,028.73 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

25 days of holiday (plus bank holidays!) to recharge and relax
Discounts on your favourite shops and brands
A top-tier pension scheme — we boost your savings for the future

Training course
Aerospace engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 07:30 - 15:30

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

4 years

Positions available

8

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

We offer two exciting pathways: Fitter and Machinist, each with its own focus and opportunities.

  • Fitter - Fitters put together components & sub-assemblies that go into the aircraft on our customers’ final assembly lines. Fitters work to manufacturing & engineering instructions/drawings & will use skills including drilling, reaming & countersinking; Riveting & bolting; Using automated/robotic drilling equipment; Functional testing of mechanical systems
  • Machinist - Our Integrated Machining Facility at Western Approach focuses on the manufacture of composite wing spars. Skills/knowledge developed will include operating 3, 4 & 5 axis CNC Milling machine tools; Operating co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM), conventional & digital measuring equipment; Understanding processes, procedures & engineering drawings

Programme Structure:

  • Year 1 - is all about getting you ready to hit the ground running. You’ll build the core skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed in years 2&3 - with the right mix of learning, support, and hands-on prep to make it happen. You'll split your time working offsite at college completing your foundation training as well as working onsite
  • Years 2 & 3 - You’ll rotate through different areas of the business, gaining hands-on experience and expanding your knowledge along the way. You’ll have regular check-ins with your GKN training advisor to track your progress, all while continuing your college studies one day a week
  • Year 4 - In your final placement, you’ll focus on your final department, build specialist skills, and complete your final assessments - all leading to your apprenticeship qualification

Where you'll work

Western Approach Distribution Park
Severn Beach
Bristol
BS35 4GG

Training

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

Training provider

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Training course

Aerospace engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Resolve engineering or manufacturing engineering problems utilising problem-solving techniques. For example, practical problem solving (PPS), root cause analysis (RCA), advanced product quality planning (APQP), and process failure effect mode analysis (PFEMA).
  • Review and select technical information from multiple sources. For example, dimensional requirements, tolerances, surface finishes and operational sequences using drawings, measurement and production output statistical data.
  • Read and interpret information. For example, text, data, design drawings, engineering drawings, job cards, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals.
  • Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Communicate in writing. For example, prepare written technical reports for stakeholders using aerospace terminology where appropriate.
  • Apply safe systems of work. For example, risk assessments, safe working practises for machinery, equipment, and tools in workplace environments.
  • Apply team working principles. For example, contribute to team meetings. Identify and report on work progress, issues or concerns.
  • Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
  • Apply health and safety procedures, safe working practises in compliance with regulations and standards.
  • Apply environmental and sustainability procedures in compliance with regulations and standards. For example, segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
  • Follow manufacturers’ instructions and procedures.
  • Provide information on work process and outcomes to colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Use information technology prioritising data protection and cyber security. Comply with GDPR. For example, digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication and collaboration.
  • Use science and engineering principles to solve engineering problems. For example, solve engineering problems using calculus, statistics, probability, needs analysis and systems engineering.
  • Technical support option: Organise and plan technical engineering activities.
  • Technical support option: Apply statistical methods analysis to generate reports. For example, parts per million (PPM), quality adherence.
  • Technical support option: Produce technical information. For example, technical reports on engineering, manufacturing or maintenance activities.
  • Fitter option: Maintain the work area prior to, during, and on completion of the activity. Restore work area and return resources and consumables on completion.
  • Fitter options: Select, check and use tools, jigs and marking out equipment for aerospace production activities.
  • Fitter options: Assemble, position and fix mechanical fasteners or electrical connections.
  • Fitter options: Select and use measuring equipment. For example, digital micrometers, callipers, go and no-go gauges, torque measuring equipment, electrical continuity measuring equipment.
  • Fitter options: Produce aerospace assemblies in accordance with specified manufacturing instructions.
  • Fitter options: Inspect completed aerospace assemblies in line with specified manufacturing tolerances.
  • Machinist option: Interpret information from Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD, CAM) software.
  • Machinist options: Maintain the machining work area prior to, during and on completion of the activity. Restore area and return resources and consumables on completion.
  • Machinist option: Inspect condition and operation of all safety mechanisms. For example, interlocks.
  • Machinist option: Select and validate CNC Programmes.
  • Machinist option: Mount and set work-holding devices, work piece and cutting tools.
  • Machinist option: Select machine type and prepare tooling for machining operations.
  • Machinist option: Set the machine tool operating parameters to component specification.
  • Machinist option: Perform machining operations.
  • Machinist option: Inspect completed aerospace components in line with specified manufacturing tolerances.
  • Resolve engineering or manufacturing engineering problems utilising problem-solving techniques. For example, practical problem solving (PPS), root cause analysis (RCA), advanced product quality planning (APQP), and process failure effect mode analysis (PFEMA).
  • Review and select technical information from multiple sources. For example, dimensional requirements, tolerances, surface finishes and operational sequences using drawings, measurement and production output statistical data.
  • Read and interpret information. For example, text, data, design drawings, engineering drawings, job cards, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals.
  • Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Communicate in writing. For example, prepare written technical reports for stakeholders using aerospace terminology where appropriate.
  • Apply safe systems of work. For example, risk assessments, safe working practises for machinery, equipment, and tools in workplace environments.
  • Apply team working principles. For example, contribute to team meetings. Identify and report on work progress, issues or concerns.
  • Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
  • Apply health and safety procedures, safe working practises in compliance with regulations and standards.
  • Apply environmental and sustainability procedures in compliance with regulations and standards. For example, segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
  • Follow manufacturers’ instructions and procedures.
  • Provide information on work process and outcomes to colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Use information technology prioritising data protection and cyber security. Comply with GDPR. For example, digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication and collaboration.
  • Use science and engineering principles to solve engineering problems. For example, solve engineering problems using calculus, statistics, probability, needs analysis and systems engineering.

Training schedule

Aerospace Engineering Technician Level 3.

  • Year 1 - is all about getting you ready to hit the ground running. You’ll build the core skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed in years 2&3 - with the right mix of learning, support, and hands-on prep to make it happen. You'll split your time working offsite at Weston college completing your foundation training as well as working onsite
  • Years 2 & 3 - You’ll rotate through different areas of the business, gaining hands-on experience and expanding your knowledge along the way. You’ll have regular check-ins with your GKN training advisor to track your progress, all while continuing your college studies one day a week
  • Year 4 - In your final placement, you’ll focus on your final department, build specialist skills, and complete your final assessments - all leading to your apprenticeship qualification

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade Grade 4 (C) or above)
  • Maths (grade Grade 4 (C) or above)
  • Science or engineering subject (grade Grade 4 (C) or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Willingness to learn
  • Positive attitude
  • Curiosity

About this employer

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

https://joinus.gknaerospace.com/early-careers/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Life assurance and income protection, because your wellbeing matters
  • Access to a 24/7 support programme if you ever need to talk
  • Virtual GP appointments for you and your close family

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Skilled Aircraft Fitter, Machinist or Maintenance Technician.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000019183.

Apply now

Closes in 22 days (Friday 27 March 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.