Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice

GKN AEROSPACE SERVICES LIMITED

Bristol (BS34 6FB)

Closes on Saturday 31 January 2026

Posted on 23 October 2025

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Summary

Are you curious, ambitious, and ready to take your first step into the world of aerospace engineering? This is your chance to earn a degree, gain hands-on experience, and help shape the next generation of aerospace technology - all while getting paid.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Earn while you learn — a competitive salary with no student debt.

Training course
Aerospace engineer (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Friday. Exact Shifts TBC.

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

4 years

Positions available

4

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 a Degree Apprentice, you’ll:

  • Rotate through specialist teams across Airframe, Design & Stress, Systems Integration, Quality, Support Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing
  • Be involved in the full lifecycle of aerospace systems and products – from design and development, to testing, qualification, and in-service support
  • Learn how to read and interpret engineering drawings, reports, and computer-generated models
  • Collaborate with engineers from across multiple disciplines.
  • Develop problem-solving skills to design, test, validate, and improve engineering solutions
  • Spend your first year at Weston College working towards your Level 2 qualification, before moving on site in Bristol from Year 2, where you’ll progress through your Level 4 and Level 6 qualifications
  • Contribute to STEM outreach and community projects — because engineering isn’t just about technology, it’s about people too

You’ll gain knowledge and skills in:

  • Aerospace systems, aeronautical sciences, and material sciences
  • Engineering processes and practices (mechanical, electrical, electronic systems)
  • Analytical methods and engineering mathematics
  • Regulatory, environmental, and quality standards
  • Real-world engineering skills such as planning, testing, inspection, production, and lifecycle management
  • The importance of sustainability, safety, and teamwork in real projects

Where you'll work

Taurus Road
Patchway
Bristol
BS34 6FB

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 engineer (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Communicate with stakeholders: verbal and written.
  • Write reports: data, technical information, drawings, outcomes and recommendations
  • Present information. For example, presenting project progress and key performance information (KPI's) such as cost, quality, time, risk and opportunities. Presenting technical results or trade studies into design reviews.
  • Use information technology: digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication and collaboration packages.
  • Use information technology: digital tools for engineering activities, configuration management, research and analysis. For example, exploiting data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
  • Use problem solving tools and techniques, for example: Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone and Practical Problem Solving (PPS).
  • Use continuous improvement methodologies. For example, Kaizen, Lean manufacturing and Kanban.
  • Produce and review design solutions, drawings, sketches using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and manual systems.
  • Model real-world systems and products using, for example Computer Aided Modelling (CAM), Finite Element Modelling (FEM), Model Based System Engineering (MBSE).
  • Assess different designs to identify solutions for a given aerospace engineering application and environment.
  • Produce systems solutions considering integrated structural engineering designs.
  • Develop and execute test plans to support aerospace product validation and approval.
  • Design functional aerospace systems and assemblies from component level. For example, designing elements of a landing gear to produce a complete landing system.
  • Apply project management techniques. For example, estimating, programming, risk, cost and budget control, time management and resource management.
  • Identify and comply with legal and statutory requirements. For example, health and safety, environmental protection, sustainability, aerospace certification requirements and data protection.
  • Plan and manage own time.
  • Work with and lead others including, negotiation, conflict management and developing others.
  • Communicate with stakeholders: verbal and written.
  • Write reports: data, technical information, drawings, outcomes and recommendations
  • Present information. For example, presenting project progress and key performance information (KPI's) such as cost, quality, time, risk and opportunities. Presenting technical results or trade studies into design reviews.
  • Use information technology: digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication and collaboration packages.
  • Use information technology: digital tools for engineering activities, configuration management, research and analysis. For example, exploiting data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
  • Use problem solving tools and techniques, for example: Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone and Practical Problem Solving (PPS).
  • Use continuous improvement methodologies. For example, Kaizen, Lean manufacturing and Kanban.
  • Produce and review design solutions, drawings, sketches using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and manual systems.
  • Model real-world systems and products using, for example Computer Aided Modelling (CAM), Finite Element Modelling (FEM), Model Based System Engineering (MBSE).
  • Assess different designs to identify solutions for a given aerospace engineering application and environment.
  • Produce systems solutions considering integrated structural engineering designs.
  • Develop and execute test plans to support aerospace product validation and approval.
  • Design functional aerospace systems and assemblies from component level. For example, designing elements of a landing gear to produce a complete landing system.
  • Apply project management techniques. For example, estimating, programming, risk, cost and budget control, time management and resource management.
  • Identify and comply with legal and statutory requirements. For example, health and safety, environmental protection, sustainability, aerospace certification requirements and data protection.
  • Plan and manage own time.
  • Work with and lead others including, negotiation, conflict management and developing others.

Training schedule

Year 1: College-based learning, combining a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) with hands-on foundational training in engineering.

Years 2–4: Rotate across different technical departments at GKN sites, gaining real-world industry experience while continuing your university studies (day release).

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Five GCSE's including Maths, English, Science (grade Grade 4 (C))

A Level in:

Including 2 STEM subjects such as Maths, Physics (grade 96 UCAS Points)

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
  • Innovation
  • Interest in engineering
  • Collaborative
  • Ownership
  • Curiosity
  • Proactivity

About this employer

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. 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 38 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. There are no limits to where you can take your career. Together as “one GKN” we’re moving our business and industry forward developing technologies that rapidly decarbonise aircraft, and innovating to help build a new generation of planes that produce zero emissions.

https://www.gknaerospace.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Gain a degree in Aerospace Engineering while working on live projects. Mentorship from experienced engineers and leaders. Access world-class training and career opportunities.

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

Career Opportunities: On successful completion, apprentices can progress into exciting roles such as: Design Engineer, Analysis Engineer, Technology Engineer, Materials & Process Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Engineer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

GKN AEROSPACE SERVICES LIMITED

Lucy Johnson

lucy.johnson@gknaerospace.com

07483167282

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000347999.

Apply now

Closes on Saturday 31 January 2026

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