Maintenance Apprentice

GKN AEROSPACE SERVICES LIMITED

Bristol (BS35 4GG)

Closes in 20 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: Mechatronics maintenance 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:

  1

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

Maintenance - Maintenance Engineers carry out scheduled maintenance & breakdown repairs on complex machinery such as large CNC machines, chemical treatment plants & equipment.

Maintenance Engineers need to have an analytical approach, as they will be involved in problem solving & cross-functional communication. 

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

Mechatronics maintenance technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Use information technology, for example to create documentation, communication and information management.
• Obtain, read and interpret task related documentation, such as work instructions, quality control documents, drawings, operation manuals, specifications and service manuals.
• Record information for example job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
• Conduct initial assessment of equipment that requires maintenance.
• Formulate plans setting out the methodology of the maintenance activity including timescales and resources.
• Select, prepare and use material, consumables, tools and equipment.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and organisational requirements applicable in the workplace. For example, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, PPE and applying safe systems of work.
• Apply dynamic risk assessment, hazard identification and risk mitigation principles and techniques.
• Apply isolation principles and techniques to equipment undergoing maintenance, including dissipation of stored energies as required.
• Manufacture, repair and refurbish components using hand and machine tools.
• Restore the workplace on completion of the maintenance activity. Handover resources, consumables and equipment to process owner.
• Apply the techniques and processes used in reactive maintenance and repair activities on complex engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Produce, maintain, update, record and store documentation including electronic items such as PLC and robot programmes.
• Apply techniques and processes used in planned and preventative maintenance activities on engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Apply functional testing and checking techniques and processes after maintenance interventions, and handover to the operational team.
• Apply techniques and processes used in condition monitoring, non-destructive or sensory testing. Record findings and take necessary actions.
• Apply calculation techniques such as, feeds, speeds, tolerances, electrical calculations using Ohms law, power calculations and cable sizing calculations.
• Select, use and confirm calibration of electrical and mechanical testing and measuring equipment.
• Produce sketches or drawings to support maintenance activities.
• Communicate in writing. Prepare communications, documents and reports on technical matters.
• Segregate, separate and dispose of waste streams and by-products.
• Apply 4S or 5S principles of housekeeping to the work environment.
• Identify opportunities and make recommendations to improve operational performance.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques.
• Communicate with others verbally. Negotiate with colleagues or stakeholders. For example, to access equipment or arrange access to equipment.
• Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
• Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development activities.
• Apply fault finding techniques used in reactive maintenance on complex integrated systems including half split, input output, six point technique, function or performance testing, unit or component substitution and equipment diagnostics.
• Use information technology, for example to create documentation, communication and information management.
• Obtain, read and interpret task related documentation, such as work instructions, quality control documents, drawings, operation manuals, specifications and service manuals.
• Record information for example job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
• Conduct initial assessment of equipment that requires maintenance.
• Formulate plans setting out the methodology of the maintenance activity including timescales and resources.
• Select, prepare and use material, consumables, tools and equipment.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and organisational requirements applicable in the workplace. For example, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, PPE and applying safe systems of work.
• Apply dynamic risk assessment, hazard identification and risk mitigation principles and techniques.
• Apply isolation principles and techniques to equipment undergoing maintenance, including dissipation of stored energies as required.
• Manufacture, repair and refurbish components using hand and machine tools.
• Restore the workplace on completion of the maintenance activity. Handover resources, consumables and equipment to process owner.
• Apply the techniques and processes used in reactive maintenance and repair activities on complex engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Produce, maintain, update, record and store documentation including electronic items such as PLC and robot programmes.
• Apply techniques and processes used in planned and preventative maintenance activities on engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Apply functional testing and checking techniques and processes after maintenance interventions, and handover to the operational team.
• Apply techniques and processes used in condition monitoring, non-destructive or sensory testing. Record findings and take necessary actions.
• Apply calculation techniques such as, feeds, speeds, tolerances, electrical calculations using Ohms law, power calculations and cable sizing calculations.
• Select, use and confirm calibration of electrical and mechanical testing and measuring equipment.
• Produce sketches or drawings to support maintenance activities.
• Communicate in writing. Prepare communications, documents and reports on technical matters.
• Segregate, separate and dispose of waste streams and by-products.
• Apply 4S or 5S principles of housekeeping to the work environment.
• Identify opportunities and make recommendations to improve operational performance.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques.
• Communicate with others verbally. Negotiate with colleagues or stakeholders. For example, to access equipment or arrange access to equipment.
• Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
• Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development activities.
• Apply fault finding techniques used in reactive maintenance on complex integrated systems including half split, input output, six point technique, function or performance testing, unit or component substitution and equipment diagnostics.

Training schedule

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

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 VAC2000019190.

Apply now

Closes in 20 days (Friday 27 March 2026)

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