Aircraft Fitter (Operations) Apprentice
GKN AerospaceExpected closing date: Tuesday, 9 February 2027
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Key Takeaways
- Four-year Apprenticeship Programme in Aircraft Fitting at GKN Aerospace, East Cowes.
- Starting salary between £16,867 and £24,520, increasing annually.
- Leads to a Level 3 Aerospace Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard qualification.
- Requires 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including Maths, English, Science) or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.
- Applications close on Tuesday 09th February 2027.
About the Role
This is a four-year Apprenticeship Programme at GKN Aerospace's East Cowes facility, focused on cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering. No prior experience is required. You will learn through practical application, receive a salary during training, and develop your skills with support from experienced colleagues.
In partnership with Isle of Wight College, this programme follows the Level 3 Aerospace Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard (Aerospace Fitting Technician Pathway). It combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in industry-relevant environments.
What You'll Do
As part of a team, you will contribute to building aircraft parts and testing components using advanced technology and tools. You will gain transferable skills in assembling complex aerospace components and bringing designs to life. Your work will directly support aircraft functionality.
What You'll Bring
- Willingness to Learn: Open to new ideas, receptive to feedback, and eager to improve.
- Positive Attitude: Energetic, enthusiastic, and possessing a 'can-do' mindset, maintaining focus even when facing challenges.
- Curiosity: Inquisitive about how things work and interested in understanding the broader context.
Entry Requirements
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths, English, and Science.
- Alternatively, Functional Skills Level 2 in English & Maths are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or above.
- Other suitable Level 2 qualifications will be considered if you do not have the required GCSEs.
Programme Structure
- Year 1: Focus on building core skills, knowledge, and confidence through a mix of learning, support, and hands-on preparation.
- Years 2 & 3: Rotation through different final assembly areas to gain practical experience and expand knowledge, with regular progress check-ins and continued college studies.
- Year 4: Development of specialist skills and completion of the End Point Assessment, leading to the apprenticeship qualification.
Responsibilities & Training
- Learn to work safely and accurately by following engineering instructions, health & safety regulations, and quality procedures.
- Develop strong technical, hands-on skills in a live production setting, contributing to high-performance aerospace manufacturing.
- Attend college or training sessions, complete assignments, and apply learning in the workplace.
- Maintain clear work records, track development, and review progress with the apprenticeship team.
Perks You'll Love!
- Starting Salary: Between £16,867 to £24,520 (based on age-related national minimum wage), with annual increases upon target completion.
- Working Hours: A 37-hour week with a half-day finish on Fridays.
- Holiday: 190 hours of holiday plus bank holidays.
- Benefits: Discounts on shops and brands, a top-tier pension scheme, life assurance, income protection, access to a 24/7 support programme, and virtual GP appointments.
How to Apply
Apply now to start your journey with GKN Aerospace. Please use a personal email address for your application. A cover letter is strongly recommended. Note: please apply for one role only.