Apprentice - Avionics & Components Cardiff

Are you ready to build the foundations of an engineering career that’s second to none? At British Airways Engineering Wales, we are inviting driven, hands-on and ambitious individuals to join our Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop Apprenticeship. This is your chance to learn how aircraft really work — from lighting to navigation, radio, radar, and safety systems — all underpinned by high-quality workmanship and engineering integrity.

Our avionic component maintenance facility is a high-spec, modern workshop where engineers maintain, repair and overhaul critical aircraft components — from flight-deck instruments and radios, to motors, actuators, wiring looms, lighting systems and more. We also maintain and calibrate the specialist tooling and test systems that ensure these components meet the highest standards of safety and performance. Safety, reliability and quality are at the heart of what we do, and we continuously innovate to make systems better.

What You'll Do

As an Apprentice in our Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop, you’ll:

• Rotate through different workshop environments: mechanical, electrical/electronic, avionics and systems maintenance.
• Work hands-on with components such as navigation, flight deck, radio & radar modules; lighting; motors and actuators; wiring looms; aircraft safety systems.
• Learn to diagnose faults using modern diagnostics and test equipment.
• Carry out component strip-downs, repairs, rebuilds and testing.
• Engage with mechanical systems (e.g. actuators, motors) alongside electrical/electronic systems.
• Support the maintenance and calibration of critical aircraft tooling and test systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with aviation standards.
• Understand and apply rigorous safety, regulatory and quality standards.

Qualifications Gained

• Year 1: Full-time enhanced engineering programme at Coleg y Cymoedd (Nantgarw Campus). You'll work towards a technical certificate alongside an NVQ practical qualification, giving you a strong engineering foundation.
• Years 2 & 3: Based at BAEW, you'll work hands-on with our expert teams while continuing your NVQ. You’ll rotate through the different workshop departments, gaining insight into aircraft component repair & overhaul, as well as the calibration and upkeep of essential test equipment and tooling.
• Career Progression: After successfully completing your NVQ and demonstrating strong performance, you’ll have the opportunity to progress through our internal pathways into a skilled engineering role — with support, training and development to help you grow your career within British Airways Engineering.

About You

You’re a motivated team player who thrives in a practical, dynamic environment. You’ll need:

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (A*–C / 9–4), including at least a C (4) in Maths, and C (4) or above in English Language and Science;
• Or a Level 2 Engineering qualification (with Maths and Science at Distinction level).

Personal

• Over 16 and resident in the UK
• Right to live and work in the UK
• Available to work a standard day shift pattern (06:30 – 14:30)
• We highly recommend that candidates are able to drive or are learning to drive due to limited public transport links

What's in it for you?

• Increase in salary after you have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, if completed in line with your development objectives
• British Airways Engineering Wales uniform from year one
• Part of the British Airways apprentice network and community
• Involvement in Community Investment programmes
• Volunteering in schools and colleges
• Access to heavily discounted flights and a leave entitlement

Further Information & Next Steps

• Applications close on 19th November 2026.
• All sections of your application need to be complete, including all online tests, by the deadline.
• You may only apply for one apprenticeship programme.
• If successful with the initial application, you will be invited to complete a short video interview within a given timeframe.
• If you fail to submit by the deadline, your application will be automatically withdrawn.
• The recruitment process includes online assessments, a video interview (November 2026), and an Assessment Centre (March 2027).
• Start Date: August 2027.