Business Functional Apprenticeship
GKN AEROSPACE SERVICES LIMITED
Isle Of Wight (PO32 6RA)
Closes on Tuesday 9 February 2027
Posted on 11 November 2026
Contents
Summary
Working in conjunction with the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship Standard, then specialising in a role specific Apprenticeship Standard, we’ll teach you the skills you need to succeed – combining classroom learning with hands-on experience in real, industry-focused environments.
- Wage
-
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Competitive salary, increasing each year. Benefits include company pension, sickness benefits, workwear and PPE provided and local and national discounts (including ferries)
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday 8am to 4.30pm.
Friday 8am to 1pm
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Thursday 2 September 2027
- Duration
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4 years
- Positions available
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2
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
- In this business functional role, you’ll be part of a team delivering the future – you will experience departments such as programme management, supply chain management, procurement – don’t worry, we’ll teach you how!
- You will gain real transferable skills that matter, from liaising with our manufacturing and operations departments, to customers and suppliers to ensure that resources are available and our products are delivered on time, to the quality you would expect from GKN. Your work helps aircraft take flight – it’s exciting and open to everyone. If you enjoy problem solving, teamwork, and making things happen, this is your launch pad to a powerful future.
- Our four-year Apprenticeship Programme, at our East Cowes facility, is your chance to dive into the world of cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering — no experience needed. You’ll learn by doing, get paid while you train, and grow your skills alongside experienced colleagues who will support you all the way.
Where you'll work
Ferry Road
East Cowes
Isle Of Wight
PO32 6RA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE ISLE OF WIGHT COLLEGE
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
- Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
- Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
- Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
- Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
- Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
- Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
At GKN Aerospace, in partnership with the Isle of Wight College and working in conjunction with the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship Standard, then specialising in a role specific Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard in Years 3 & 4, we’ll teach you the skills you need to succeed – combining classroom learning with hands-on experience in real, industry-focused environments. With our expert support, your curiosity, and a can-do attitude, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
In order to gain a thorough understanding of our products, processes, roles and people within the business, throughout your apprenticeship you will rotate around a number of departments, which may include but not limited to: Programme Management, Procurement and Supply Chain Management. This will allow you to evidence the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of your Apprenticeship Standard.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will work towards and achieve a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and progress onto a specialised apprenticeship.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
A Level in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
Other requirements
PLEASE ALSO NOTE the position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. In order for us to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we do assess each case individually).
Note: please apply for one role only. Please use a personal email address for your application, rather than a school or parental email address. A cover letter is strongly recommended.
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 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
On completion of your apprenticeship, you are likely to move into a role such as Programme Support Officer, Shop Floor Scheduler or Procurement Officer.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE ISLE OF WIGHT COLLEGE
cowes.apprentices@gknaerospace.com
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000063827.
Apply now
Closes on Tuesday 9 February 2027
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.