Early Careers, Outreach and Apprenticeship Manager

Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer and the company’s site at Oxford Airport is Britain’s civil helicopter hub.

Overall purpose of the Job

This role serves as the architect of the Airbus Helicopters UK (AHUK) talent pipeline across all three major sites, bridging the gap between classroom learning and aerospace leadership. You will provide end-to-end oversight of the apprenticeship lifecycle for both Engineering and Business Support, ensuring programs remain compliant with industry standards while maximising the Apprenticeship Levy. By serving as the primary liaison between external training providers and internal stakeholders, you ensure that every learner, from a first-year apprentice to a high-potential manager, receives the mentorship and professional development necessary to sustain the future of aviation. Beyond operational management, the position drives long‑term workforce growth through proactive outreach and elite leadership training. You will design and lead school engagement initiatives to inspire the next generation of STEM talent, while simultaneously supporting the management of the Airbus Leadership Academy to cultivate current high‑potential employees. Success in this role requires a ‘coach mindset’ and high emotional intelligence to navigate complex project management tasks, identify emerging skills gaps, and present a clear 12‑month completion pipeline of engineering talent to the senior leadership team.

Early Careers, Outreach & Apprenticeship Management

• Lead the end‑to‑end apprenticeship lifecycle for Engineering and Support functions at AHUK.
• Support the Head of Training and HR with delivery of the Airbus Leadership Development Programme, moving toward full ownership. This includes identifying high‑potential talent and designing modules for management excellence.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external training providers, colleges, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and relevant local institutions.
• Monitor apprentice progress, conduct regular reviews and ensure they meet both academic and operational milestones.
• Ensure all apprenticeship and leadership programs meet UK government standards and internal Airbus global benchmarks.

UK Apprenticeship & Levy Management

• Strategic oversight of the delivery of engineering and business support function apprenticeships.
• Act as the subject matter expert for the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy, ensuring maximum ROI and compliance with ESFA funding rules.
• Select and manage relationships with external training providers such as Resource Group, Baines Simmons and colleges to ensure high‑quality curriculum delivery that meets aviation standards.

Early Careers & Outreach

• Design and lead the AHUK School Outreach Programme to inspire interest in aerospace and STEM careers.
• Standardise and manage the intake process for work‑experience students, ensuring a meaningful, safe, and compliant learning environment.
• Represent AHUK at national and local career events, building a strong employer brand within the Oxfordshire innovation hub.

Airbus Leadership Academy

• Oversee the tiered Leadership and Management Programme, ensuring content aligns with Airbus global standards while meeting local UK operational needs.
• Identify high‑potential early‑careers talent and map their progression into the Leadership Academy pathways while communicating the pipeline of engineering apprentices to senior leadership 12 months prior to completion.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Coach mindset: Inspire both apprentices and senior managers.
• Strategic vision: Recognise future skills gaps and develop workforce plans.
• High emotional intelligence: Navigate leadership development and professional coaching aspects.
• Project management: Deliver multiple programmes and projects simultaneously.

Desirable

• Qualification in aviation‑based training (e.g. Human Factors), Leadership programmes and formal PTTLS or equivalent teaching training.

Education, Qualifications or Training

Essential

• Curriculum development experience: Update and maintain training materials to reflect the latest Airbus Helicopter technologies.
• Training experience: Proven track record in early careers, outreach and apprenticeship management across multiple locations.
• Management background: Experience managing people or programmes, specifically within an apprenticeship or corporate L&D framework.

Desirable

• Technical instruction / training delivery: Conduct theoretical and practical Part‑147 training sessions for B1 (Turbine) maintenance categories.

Additional Requirements

• DBS check and eligibility for Security clearance (SC).
• Meet Export Compliance Regulations.
• Legal right to work in the United Kingdom (no visa sponsorship).

Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance (Bupa) – single cover for employees paid by the company.
• Pension – auto‑enrolment into the Airbus Group UK Retirement Fund; AH contributes 6%, employee 4% of basic.
• Share Incentive Plan and ESOP – annual share schemes at company discretion.
• Success Share, discretionary group bonus scheme (conditions apply).
• Bikes to Work (up to £3,000) – employee purchase scheme.
• Technology – employee purchase scheme.
• Mydrive – employee car purchase scheme.
• Den‑Plan – employee purchase scheme.
• Health‑care Cash Scheme.
• Personal Accident Insurance – employee purchase scheme.
• Health Assessments.
• Travel Insurance.
• Shopping vouchers/discounts.
• Financial/legal advice (e.g. will‑writing, lasting power of attorney).

Data Protection

By submitting your CV or application you consent to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes related to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all.