Craft Apprenticeship - Structures Test

This is an exciting opportunity to join Airbus as an apprentice in the Structures Test Team at the Aerospace Integrated Research and Test Centre (AIRTeC) in Filton, Bristol. AIRTeC is a £100 million, state-of-the-art research and testing facility that supports Airbus’s advanced aircraft wing design and development.

The Structures Test Team is one of three key testing centres within Airbus, responsible for validating the strength and durability of cutting-edge materials and structural components used across all Airbus aircraft programmes, including next-generation, sustainable technologies like hydrogen propulsion, ultra-flexible wings, and blended wing body aircraft.

What will you be doing:

• Year 1: Spend Semester 1 (September to January) full-time studying at Weston College. In Semester 2 (February to June), you will spend 2 days per week onsite at Airbus Filton, with the other days at Weston College.
• Years 2 and 3: Be on-site at Airbus Filton. Support the delivery of critical test campaigns by working on a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation tasks. You will learn practical skills and technical knowledge across two key areas.
• Year 4: Be based in your place of work on a full-time basis.

Core Activities:

• Machining tasks using lathes, mills, and surface grinders to modify or create simple components.
• Mechanical assembly of test specimens, rigs, and hydraulic systems – from small component tests to full aircraft wing evaluations.
• Installation of test instrumentation including sensors, inclinometers, string potentiometers, and high-speed cameras.
• Use of metrology techniques to perform precise physical measurements.
• Cable manufacture and creation of bespoke connectors.
• Installing and commissioning control and data acquisition systems.
• Participating in laboratory-based activities and supporting the test lifecycle from preparation to execution.

Role-Specific Focus Areas:

1. General Test Operations Role: Provides broader exposure across all structural testing activities. You’ll rotate through various disciplines and support the full test process—from component manufacturing to test execution and data acquisition—gaining a comprehensive understanding of how large aerospace structures are evaluated.
2. Calibration-Focused Role: Has a strong focus on metrology and calibration activities. You will work closely with calibration engineers to ensure all measurement and test equipment is functioning accurately and meets regulatory standards. Responsibilities include:
   • Performing calibrations on instruments such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, pressure gauges, and temperature sensors.
   • Maintaining and updating calibration records and databases.
   • Troubleshooting and repairing faulty equipment.
   • Developing and optimising software-based calibration procedures.
   • Ensuring compliance with quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025.
   • Supporting development of new calibration techniques and procedures.

Note: Both roles offer opportunities to travel to other Airbus sites (e.g., Hamburg, Toulouse) and external suppliers to provide support and gain international experience.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will:

• Gain real-world experience working alongside industry experts in a high-tech environment.
• Build a blend of mechanical and electrical skills relevant to testing, calibration, and instrumentation.
• Develop professionally through structured training, academic learning, and hands-on projects.

As you progress, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in areas aligned with your interests—whether that’s mechanical testing, data acquisition, or advanced calibration and metrology.

Requirements

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must:

• Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs which must include:

  • Grade C or 4 in Maths (B or 5 preferred)
  • Grade C or 4 in English
  • Plus 3 other GCSEs at grade C or 4;
  • Other qualifications that are equivalent or higher may be considered as an alternative to the additional 3 GCSE’s (subject to validation).

• Attach your CV (stating your predicted or achieved grades) and cover letter stating your motivation for the role and industry.

To be successful, you need to:

• Be naturally curious and excited to explore.
• Have excellent hands-on and workshop skills, using a variety of tools and equipment.
• Be able to manage problems and communicate effectively to resolve them in a fast-paced team environment.
• Feel passionate about Aerospace and shaping the sustainable future of the civil aircraft market.
• Have a passion for learning, teamwork, and problem-solving activities.

Application Boosters

Tell us on your cover letter:

• Why Airbus? What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? Is it our aircraft, innovation, global impact, or something else? Let us know what interests you about our work and why we stand out to you.
• Why a hands-on apprenticeship? Why do you want to learn by doing? We’d love to hear what draws you to practical, skills-based learning.
• Show your hands-on experience. In your CV or cover letter, include any hands-on activities or hobbies where you've used practical skills. These could be things like DIY projects, building and fixing things, tinkering and tech projects, building models, baking or cooking, etc.

Important Information

• Grades: Any offer will be conditional upon us receiving evidence of your required grades 24h after receiving your certificates on results day, in addition to completing all pre-employment checks and online forms.
• Security Clearance: You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check. You may also need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role.
• Right to Work in the UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.

Contact

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process. If you wish to discuss this further, please contact via email apprentices@airbus.com. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.