Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Surface Finisher

Job Description: *Start date:* September 2026 *Location*: Broughton *Duration*: 36 months *Application*: We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for, however, please be aware that* you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time*. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations. *Apply early to avoid missing out* – we may close adverts once we receive sufficient applications. *Salary*: A competitive starting salary of £17,889 35 hours per week // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Success share // Plus many more flexible benefits! *About us:* Ready to build the wings that lift the world? Join Airbus as a Craft Surface finish Apprentice in Airbus Broughton and play a vital role in manufacturing wings for our A320, A330, and A350 aircraft families. This 36-month program offers valuable hands-on training, recognised qualifications, and a clear path to a rewarding career in aviation. At Airbus, we believe a diverse workforce drives innovation. We\’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. Airbus is a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, leading the way in designing, manufacturing, and delivering aerospace products across Commercial Aircraft, Helicopters, Defence, and Space sectors. As the global center of excellence for wing manufacturing, our Broughton site delivers over 500 wing sets annually. Our apprenticeship programs are carefully designed to give you valuable practical training alongside your academic studies, setting you up for success and helping your career truly fly. With over 17,5000 employees worldwide and as the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, Airbus is at the forefront of the aviation industry. During your apprenticeship you will work alongside our experienced engineers and quality team to support you to complete the work safely and efficiently What you will be doing: As a Craft Surface Finish Fitting apprentice you’ll immerse yourself for the first 12 months of the programme learning the foundational skills required in the preparation and application of surface finishes . While completing your academic studies the course will also cover an element of mechanical fitting activities . This program is designed to equip you with valuable qualifications and competencies to work directly on live aircraft. You\’ll also benefit from our Gen A support network and learning HUB , providing additional support, events, and opportunities for all early career participants. This 36-month apprenticeship is structured to maximise your learning and impact: Year One: You will spend the first 12 months of your apprenticeship based at Rhyl College, working towards obtaining: * NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations; * Level 2 Academic Qualification * Level 2 Essential Skills; This will allow you to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to enable you to make an immediate contribution when you enter the workforce in the second year. Year 2 and 3: * *Your Learning Takes Flight at Broughton! Building on your foundational knowledge, you\’ll join our world-class team at the Airbus Broughton site in North Wales. Here, you\’ll apply your skills directly to live aircraft projects and assist in the preparation and painting of the wings for our Single Aisle and Wide body families. Your varied tasks will require a range of technical skills. This will include: * Preparation & Setup: This involves meticulously cleaning, sanding, and masking surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and a flawless finish. It also includes accurately mixing paints and preparing spray equipment according to specifications. * Application & Quality: Skillfully applying multiple, even coats of paint using precise techniques, while monitoring environmental conditions. A crucial part of the role is inspecting the finish for quality , making adjustments, and performing touch-ups, all while strictly adhering to safety protocols and equipment maintenance . * Fitting Activities – This would include a placement in our single aisle and wide body business areas to perform fitting activities in our wingbox production areas, these activities will include drilling and installing fasteners. You\’ll continue your academic studies on day release, working towards: * Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Aeronautical Engineering) * Level 3 Academic Certificate Upon successful completion of your 36-month apprenticeship, you\’ll become a *skilled* * Surface finish Fitter*, specialising in the preparation and application of surface finishes plus the ability to drill-off and assembly of both metallic and composite components to produce the wing box structure on our world-class Airbus aircraft. You\’ll receive a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate, setting you up for a fantastic career. *Requirements* In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship you must: Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs which must include: * Grade C or 4 in Maths * Grade C or 4 in English Language * Grade CC or 44 in Double Award Science OR Grade C/4 in Single award in Physics. * Plus 2 other GCSEs at grade C or 4 (other qualifications that are equivalent or higher may be considered as an alternative to the additional 2 GCSE’s) * Apply by attaching your CV and cover letter. BOOST YOUR APPLICATION We want to get to know *you* not just your grades or school background so, 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 * Doing make-up or beauty work * Tinkering and Tech Projects * Building models * Baking or cooking * Others *Important Information:* *GRADES: *Please note: Any offer will be conditional upon us receiving evidence of your required grades 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 for the *full duration* of the programme. For more information, please check the Government Website . Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. *AI Guidance: *We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application – before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus http://airbus.com/en/careers/use-of-ai . *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. UK_APP 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. Company: Airbus Operations Limited *Employment Type:* Apprenticeship *Experience Level:* Entry Level *Job Family:* 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. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com . At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.