Apprentice - Licensed Aircraft Engineer Gatwick
British AirwaysExpected closing date: Thursday, 19 November 2026
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Key Takeaways
- Four-year apprenticeship to become a Licensed Aircraft Engineer, with further development to Type Authorisation.
- Starting salary of £17,339 per year.
- Based at Gatwick, with a mix of college learning and practical on-site experience.
- Applications close on 19th November 2026, with the programme starting in September 2027.
About the Role
Licensed Aircraft Engineer Apprenticeship
This is a four-year apprenticeship, followed by Type Authorisation development in years 5-7+.
About the Programme
Join British Airways Engineering as an apprentice and work on world-class aircraft in a fast-paced operational environment. You will gain hands-on experience in hangars and maintenance facilities, learning from skilled engineers.
This programme is aligned to CAA Part-66 licensing requirements, with a structured route through the apprenticeship and onward development towards a B licence and Type Approval.
Year 1: Full-time college learning, supported by an introduction to the shopfloor. Years 2-3: A combination of day release and practical on-site experience. Year 4: Further workplace development, building the skills and experience needed to complete the apprenticeship. Years 5-7+: Continued development towards a B license and aircraft Type Approval.
Working Patterns
- Year 1: Monday to Friday, 7.5 hours per day.
- Years 2 to 7+: Shopfloor placements are based on a 4-on / 4-off pattern at 10.7 hours per day.
About You
We are looking for individuals who are dedicated to building a long-term career in aircraft engineering, with a commitment to high standards and excellence. You should be energetic, curious, and eager to learn, taking ownership of your development. Safety-consciousness, dependability, and comfort in a practical, operational environment are essential. You should also be willing to receive feedback and continuously improve.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE English (A*–C / 9–4), Scottish National 5
- A Level Mathematics (England and Wales) or Higher Mathematics (Scotland); and
- A Level Physics, Engineering or Chemistry (England and Wales) or Higher Physics or Engineering Science (Scotland); or
- An equivalent Level 3 qualification, for example a Level 3 Diploma in Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering, or a Scottish National Certificate in Engineering.
- International equivalent will be accepted
- Right to live and work in the UK.
- Ability to meet the attendance and working-pattern requirements of the programme.
What is in it for you?
- A structured pathway from apprenticeship entry through to licensed and type-approved aircraft engineering development.
- Hands-on experience with experienced aircraft maintenance teams.
- Salary progression after successful completion of the first year, subject to meeting development objectives.
- Uniform from year one.
- Access to the wider British Airways apprentice network.
- Opportunities to support community investment, fundraising, volunteering and outreach activity.
- Access to British Airways employee benefits, including heavily discounted flights and annual leave entitlement.
Application Process
Complete every section of your application and all required online assessments by the published deadline. Successful candidates may be invited to a video interview, further online testing, and an assessment centre.