Craft Apprenticeship - Structures Test

In second and third years, you will be on-site at Airbus Filton. As a Structures Test Apprentice, you will 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:

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.

This position has a strong focus on metrology and calibration activities. You will work closely with our 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.

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

We are looking for applicants with:

• 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)

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\’s;
• Be excited to work in a dynamic and changing environment;
• Be able to manage problems and communicate effectively to resolve them in a fast-paced team environment;
• Show willingness to constantly learn and challenge yourself;
• Feel passionate about Aerospace and shaping the sustainable future of the civil aircraft market;
• Have a passion for learning, enjoy hands-on, teamwork and problem-solving activities,

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.

Salary: A competitive starting salary of £17,889 35 hours per week // Half day Fridays! // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Success share // Plus many more flexible benefits!