Job Description
Start date: September 2027
Location: Stevenage
Duration: 3 years
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.
Closing date for applications: 30th January 2027
Salary: A competitive starting salary of £18,000
37 hours per week // Up to 2 Flexi Days per month // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Plus many more flexible benefits!
About Us
Airbus is Europe’s number one Defence and Space enterprise, so what better way to start your Craft Apprenticeship than with an industry leader.
Being a Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop Mechanical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment.
As a Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice, you'll gain hands‑on experience in a highly specialized and stimulating manufacturing environment. You'll develop essential mechanical skills while working on large, complex Satellite Panels that are then built into a Satellite Structure. This is your chance to contribute to missions that will explore our solar system, protect our planet, and provide vital communication services.
This role is for someone who wants to turn their passion for practical skills into a career that is literally out of this world! You will be immersed in a supportive team of experts who will mentor you as you build components that will endure the harsh realities of space.
What You Will Be Doing
Year 1:
You will study towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 on the materials and processing pathway, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience.
Year 2:
During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience different Production Areas of the business which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how a Satellite is manufactured at Airbus Defence & Space. This includes working in small teams or on a one-to-one basis to manufacture Spacecraft Panels, Mirror Bonding and Treatments using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.
Your key activities & responsibilities will be:
Panel Assembly
- Use of various different adhesives
- Use of hand measuring tools to meet tight tolerances
- Installation of various panel features (potting inserts, riveting, edge taping)
- Following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX
Final Assembly
- Installation of panel features including Ty‑bases, MLI (multi‑layer insulated blankets) studs, connector brackets & cleats and brackets using laser technology
- Heat pipe installation to extremely tight tolerances as low as 0.15mm
Mirror bonding
- Use of silicone adhesive to install SSM (second surface mirrors) to various types of panels and spacecraft features.
- Cutting mirrors with diamond tip pens to extreme accuracy
Treatments
- Surface finish measurements such as friction and paint thickness
- Application of surface finishes including aerospace approved primers and paints
- Grit blasting
- Conversion coatings and protective finishes
- Masking of hardware in preparation for spraying
During the 2nd year of the apprenticeship, you will attend a week of Team Building Activities and Exercises at one of the Outward‑Bound UK Sites. Split up into teams consisting of Apprentices of all levels from various Airbus Defence and Space sites, you will work as a team to complete daily activities such as Rock Climbing, Hiking, Abseiling, Canoeing and more
Year 3:
You will be fully on‑site, fine tuning your hand skills against the business skills matrix.
Requirements
- Funding Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 16-21* and cannot hold a Level 2 or higher qualification (e.g., NVQ, BTEC, HND, or Degree) in Engineering, Aerospace, or related technical fields. For more information, please consult Foundation Apprenticeships Criteria *
- Education: No strict formal entry requirements, though a Grade 3 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English is desirable.
- Skills & Attributes: Strong communication, reliability, excellent work ethic, a can‑do attitude, and the ability to follow technical instructions and work well independently or in a team.
- No prior experience required-full on‑job training will be provided.
Important Information:
Joint‑Venture: This Job Request will be allocated to the projected Joint‑Venture scope towards a leading European player in space.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING: This role is delivered as a government‑funded Level 2 Apprenticeship.For more information about the eligibility criteria, please check the link: Foundation apprenticeship
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 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 .
Company
AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited
Employment Type
Apprenticeship
Experience Level
Student
Job Family
Support to Management
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.
#YESPOST
#UK_APP
Panels Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Stevenage employer: Airbus SE
Airbus SE is an attractive employer due to its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aerospace industry. The company provides hybrid working options and emphasizes professional development, making it a great place for career growth. Employees enjoy a collaborative work culture that encourages contributions to significant projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Panels Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Stevenage
✨Dive into Local Manufacturing Events
Get yourself out there and check out local manufacturing expos or trade shows! These events are gold mines for networking and can put you in touch with potential employers like Airbus SE. Plus, you might discover companies that are looking for apprentices directly.
✨Join Apprenticeship Networks
Look for local apprenticeship networks and community forums focused on manufacturing. Engaging in these spaces can lead you to hidden opportunities and advice from others who’ve been in your shoes — they might have inside info on which companies are hiring apprentices!
✨Reach Out Directly to Companies
Don't shy away from reaching out! If you have specific companies in mind like Airbus SE, shoot them an email or give them a call to inquire about potential apprenticeship opportunities. Sometimes, they might not have openings posted, but they’re always keen to meet passionate candidates!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're studying, tap into your college’s career services for leads on manufacturing apprenticeships. They often have connections with local businesses and can help you polish your application to stand out. And remember, applying through our website can give you a leg up on the competition for positions at Airbus SE!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production sector, we want to see your hands-on skills. Make sure your CV lists any relevant technical abilities or tools you’ve worked with, like machinery or software specific to production processes. This is your chance to shine a light on any experience you already have, even if it’s just in class or through a hobby!
Highlight Your Commitment to Learning:As this is an apprenticeship, emphasising your eagerness to learn is crucial! In your cover letter, mention specific areas of manufacturing you're excited to learn about, and why you're passionate about joining Airbus SE. Show us you’re ready to dive into the practical world of production!
Include Relevant Qualifications:List any qualifications or certifications related to manufacturing—think health and safety, technical courses, or even basic engineering principles. It can help set you apart from others and show you come prepared and informed about the industry standards!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your documents are straightforward and relevant. Focus on your most pertinent experiences and avoid clutter. Remember, humility goes a long way—if you've worked on projects, even in a school setting, don’t hesitate to include those to reflect your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus SE
✨Get Hands-On with Machinery
Since you're eyeing an apprenticeship in manufacturing-production, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the tools and machinery related to the role. We should brush up on our basic mechanical skills and be ready to talk about any hands-on experiences we've had, like school projects or part-time work that involved manual tasks.
✨Show Your Understanding of Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, so be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to the industry. We can expect questions focusing on how to maintain a safe working environment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard awareness—making sure we articulate our understanding can really impress the interviewers at Airbus SE.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for enthusiasm and the willingness to absorb knowledge. Let’s be prepared to discuss how we’ve approached learning new skills in the past, showing we’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with this exciting opportunity at Airbus SE.
✨Research Typical Production Processes
It might help us to know a thing or two about basic manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, quality control checks, and production scheduling. We could bring examples of these processes from our research or coursework to showcase our interest and understanding of the field during the interview.
