Aviation Operations Apprentice in Oxford
Aviation Operations Apprentice

Aviation Operations Apprentice in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 18000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Airbus Helicopters

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Coordinate flight operations and training logistics in a dynamic aviation environment.
  • Company: Join Airbus Helicopters, the world's largest helicopter manufacturer at Oxford Airport.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and various employee purchase schemes.
  • Other info: Potential for further study and travel opportunities within Airbus departments.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in aviation with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Organisational skills and communication prowess are essential; digital proficiency is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.

About Our Team

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

Job Description

Aviation Operations Apprentice Fixed Term Contract - 2 years Oxford

The Aviation Operations Apprentice is a pivotal role within the AHUK Training Academy, designed to serve as the operational engine room for our UK training activities. You will be responsible for synchronising the complex moving parts of Flight Operations, Engineering Training, and Pilot Support. This role ensures that aircraft, simulators, instructors, and students are perfectly aligned to meet our rigorous training schedules while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance under CAA and EASA frameworks.

You will be enrolled on the Level 3 Aviation Operations Apprenticeship and we are highly supportive of candidates utilising this pathway to gain a holistic understanding of the airport and helicopter operator ecosystem. This is an initial 18 month apprenticeship, with a contract of 2 years to allow for a settling in period before beginning the course and a buffer period at the end of the course for any assessments to be completed. Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Apprenticeship, there may be the opportunity to continue to study for another 2 years to complete a Level 4 Apprenticeship. This will depend on business requirements and will be subject to minimum criteria set out by the learning provider and/or AHUK.

Main Responsibilities

  • Flight & Simulator Operations
  • Flight scheduling: manage the daily orchestration of flight sorties, balancing MRO requirements with the needs of internal and external customers to ensure maximum airframe utility.
  • Simulator management: serve as the central hub for European Simulator bookings (Hmotion and Helism), managing complex international calendars and associated crew logistics.
  • Training Academy Support
    • Executive support: provide direct operational and administrative assistance to the Head of Training Academy to uphold departmental standards and regulatory audit readiness.
    • Data & compliance: maintain meticulous training logs and records, ensuring all data entry complies with AHUK and aviation authority mandates including dashboard deep dives and tracking.
  • Engineering & Technical Coordination
    • Type training support: lead the logistical setup for Engineering Type Training, from classroom readiness and material distribution to student progress tracking.
    • Resource optimisation: coordinate with the Head of Academy to ensure engineering instructors and technical facilities are utilised efficiently.
  • Ground & Site Operations
    • Workflow integration: streamline the "Ground-to-Air" process, ensuring ground support equipment (GSE) and facility access are prepared ahead of all training events.
    • Inter‑departmental liaison: act as the primary point of contact between Engineering and the Academy to deconflict maintenance schedules and training needs.

    Knowledge and Skills

    Essential

    • Coordination: ability to manage schedules or logistics in a high‑pressure environment.
    • Communication: exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to 'bridge' communication between technical engineering teams and flight crews.
    • Digital proficiency: advanced use of Google Suite (Sheets, Slides, Docs, Gmail) and experience with scheduling software.

    Education, Qualifications or Training

    Essential

    • Right to work in the UK and ability to obtain security clearance if required.

    Desirable

    • Helicopter industry knowledge: familiarity with Airbus Helicopters products.

    About You

    You should be a highly organised, proactive individual who thrives on solving logistical puzzles. You will want to learn and understand that in aviation, plans can change in a heartbeat, and you possess the composure to pivot schedules without losing sight of the details. You should be a highly motivated individual with great communication skills and take pride in ensuring everyone is in the right place, at the right time. There will be the opportunity to attend AHUK sites as well as travel to other Airbus departments so there may be the need to travel.

    Additional Requirements

    Due to the nature of this position you will require DBS security clearance and must be eligible for SC clearance. Applicants must meet any/all requirements of Export Compliance Regulations. All candidates must possess the current, legal right to work in the United Kingdom; Airbus will not be able to offer sponsorship for any employment visa.

    The Reward

    In joining the Airbus family, you will play a critical part in delivering the most efficient helicopters for its customers, who serve, protect, save lives and carry passengers in demanding environments. On top of a competitive base salary, you will have access to the following benefits through our Airbus salary sacrifice schemes:

    • Private Medical Insurance (Bupa) – single cover for employees paid by the company
    • Pension: auto‑enrolment into the Airbus Group UK Retirement Fund; initially AH contributes 6%, employee 4% 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 £3k) – 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 & Equal Opportunities

    By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. 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. This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

    Employment Information

    Employment type: Apprenticeship

    Experience level: Student

    Job family: Administration / Documentation

    Aviation Operations Apprentice in Oxford employer: Airbus Helicopters

    Airbus Helicopters is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the UK's civil helicopter hub in Oxford. As an Aviation Operations Apprentice, you will benefit from a comprehensive training programme, competitive salary, and a range of employee perks including private medical insurance and pension contributions. The company fosters a culture of growth and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in the aviation industry.
    Airbus Helicopters

    Contact Detail:

    Airbus Helicopters Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Aviation Operations Apprentice in Oxford

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Airbus or in the aviation industry on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing an apprenticeship. You never know who might put in a good word for you!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for your interview by researching Airbus Helicopters and understanding their operations. Familiarise yourself with their products and services, especially in relation to the role you're applying for. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires bridging gaps between teams, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Airbus family. Good luck!

    We think you need these skills to ace Aviation Operations Apprentice in Oxford

    Coordination
    Communication Skills
    Digital Proficiency
    Logistics Management
    Data Entry Compliance
    Flight Scheduling
    Simulator Management
    Inter-departmental Liaison
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Organisational Skills
    Attention to Detail
    Adaptability
    Time Management
    Customer Service Orientation

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Aviation Operations Apprentice role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description, like coordination and communication skills. We want to see how you fit into our team!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about aviation and how you can contribute to our Training Academy. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!

    Show Off Your Digital Skills: Since digital proficiency is key for this role, mention any experience you have with Google Suite or scheduling software. If you've used these tools in past roles or projects, let us know – it’ll give you an edge!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Airbus family!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus Helicopters

    ✨Know Your Aviation Basics

    Brush up on your knowledge of the aviation industry, especially regarding helicopter operations and Airbus products. Being able to discuss relevant topics will show your enthusiasm and understanding of the field.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Coordination Skills

    Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed schedules or logistics under pressure. This role requires excellent coordination, so showcasing your ability to handle complex tasks will impress the interviewers.

    ✨Show Off Your Communication Prowess

    Practice articulating how you would bridge communication between technical teams and flight crews. Use specific scenarios to illustrate your interpersonal skills, as effective communication is key in this role.

    ✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools

    Since the job requires advanced use of Google Suite and scheduling software, make sure you're comfortable with these tools. You might even want to mention any relevant experience you have with similar software during the interview.

    Aviation Operations Apprentice in Oxford
    Airbus Helicopters
    Location: Oxford

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