Entry Level
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Trainee Aircraft Fitter

GKN Aerospace
£34,726 - £38,220
Bristol
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TL;DR

Key Takeaways

  • Transfer your existing Level 3 apprenticeship skills into an aerospace career as a Trainee Aircraft Fitter.
  • Earn a starting salary of £34,726, rising to £38,220 upon certification.
  • Gain Level 3 NVQ Diploma and Technical Certificate over a two-year structured training programme.
  • Based at the Filton, Bristol site with a February 2027 start date.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including industry-leading pension and 25 days' holiday.

About the Role

Start Your Aerospace Career

This is an opportunity to transfer your existing skills into the world of aerospace as a Trainee Aircraft Fitter at GKN Aerospace's manufacturing site in Filton, Bristol.

About the Role

  • Start Date: February 2027
  • Location: Filton, Bristol
  • Programme: Skills Transfer Programme, lasting two years.

What You'll Do

As a Trainee Aircraft Fitter, you will receive structured training and ongoing support to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry-recognised qualifications required to become a fully trained Aircraft Fitter.

The programme combines classroom-based learning with hands-on experience, covering techniques such as pneumatic riveting, hole positioning and marking-out, drilling, filing and fettling, countersinking, and wire-locking.

Upon successful completion, you will achieve:

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (Aircraft Manufacture Mechanical)
  • Level 3 Technical Certificate

Training is delivered at the Filton site and includes taught sessions, professional discussions, workplace observations, and portfolio development.

What You'll Bring

We are looking for enthusiastic and hardworking individuals with hands-on experience in engineering or a mechanical trade. You must have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship (or equivalent) in a relevant trade, such as:

  • Motor Mechanics
  • Marine or Agricultural Fitting
  • Fabrication
  • Welding
  • Plumbing or Pipe Fitting
  • Sheet Metal Work
  • Pattern Making
  • Jig Erecting
  • Mechanical or A/C Fitting
  • Or a similar engineering discipline

Key attributes include willingness to learn, embrace feedback, reliability, punctuality, and a commitment to quality.

Working Hours

  • Foundation Training (first 6-8 weeks):
    • Monday to Thursday: 07:00 - 15:00
    • Friday: 07:00 - 12:00
  • Following transfer to the shop floor: Working patterns will be based on operational requirements and may include either a 4-Day Week or 7-Day Fortnight shift pattern. Flexibility for shift work and overtime is required, with additional pay and shift premiums applicable.

What We'll Offer

  • Salary: A starting salary of £34,726, rising to £36,717 upon completion of training, and to £38,220 once fully certified.
  • Pension: Industry Leading Pension Scheme (company matches contributions up to 8% on a 1:1.5 basis).
  • Benefits: Life Assurance (8 x salary), 25 days' holiday + bank holidays, income protection, shopping discounts, free onsite parking, staff canteen, onsite gym, Cycle To Work Scheme, and Employee Assistance Programme.