At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to innovate aerospace technology and gain hands-on engineering experience.
- Company: Collins Aerospace, a leader in advanced aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, employee discounts, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Applications close on 8th March; covering letter mandatory for consideration.
- Why this job: Earn while you learn with a structured apprenticeship leading to a BEng (Hons) in Engineering.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, interest in engineering, and relevant academic achievements required.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defence industry. At our Prestwick Service Centre we are specialists in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft engine nacelle systems and engine components. We currently have vacancies within our Engineering team for our Summer 2026 Apprenticeship intake.
What you will do: As a Graduate Apprentice, you will work alongside a team of highly skilled Engineers specialising in Repair, Stress Analysis, Engineering Support, and Research & Development. The role offers structured rotations across all Engineering functions, as well as hands‑on experience on the shopfloor, enabling you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the product lifecycle and manufacturing processes.
What you will learn: This is a true ‘earn‑while‑you‑learn’ opportunity, with full‑time onsite employment at the Prestwick Service Centre throughout the four‑year programme. Three working days each week will be dedicated to on‑the‑job learning across a range of Engineering departments and specialist functions, providing practical, hands‑on experience. The remaining two days will focus on academic study delivered onsite in partnership with Strathclyde University through its virtual learning environment. The Graduate Apprenticeship leads to a BEng (Hons) in Engineering: Design and Manufacture, with your individual specialism determined in alignment with business requirements upon completion of the programme.
Qualifications we prefer: We expect that you will just be starting your career in the Aerospace industry so, alongside our training partner, we will delight in training and supporting you through your career journey to successfully complete your apprenticeship. That means you need to be a willing learner and committed to achieving both business and personal results. You will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as basic practical skills and have a genuine interest in engineering and mechanics.
- Essential:
- Higher in Mathematics (not Application of Mathematics) grade A/B
- Higher in Physics grade A/B
- PLUS:
- 2 x additional Highers grade A/B
- Nat 5 pass in English
Preference will be given to candidates who also have at least 1 practical/technical subject such as:
- PEO in any specialism
- Metalwork/Woodwork
- Nat 5 Design & Manufacture
- Nat 5 Graphics
- Nat 5 Engineering Science
- Nat 5
What we offer: This role provides a pathway into a fully qualified role at Collins Aerospace, combining practical experience with an accredited apprenticeship. In addition, we offer a benefits package which includes a competitive salary as well as 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. There is an Employee Assistance Programme, option to buy and sell holidays, employee discounts, a fantastic pension scheme, discounted gym membership and much, much more.
We are looking for the best and brightest to fly and land with us! Candidates are required to submit a covering letter with their application, alongside their CV. You must clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria for the role. This information will be used for shortlisting purposes. Please note that submission of a covering letter is mandatory for this role. Applications submitted without a covering letter will not be progressed. Applications will close on 8th March, and applicants must ensure they check their email regularly – including their spam or filtered folders – for updates on their application.
RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Graduate Apprentice - Engineering employer: Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a unique Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering at our Prestwick Service Centre in Ayrshire. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide a structured learning environment that combines hands-on experience with academic study, leading to a BEng (Hons) in Engineering. Our supportive work culture, competitive benefits package, and commitment to innovation make us an ideal place for aspiring engineers to launch their careers in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Apprentice - Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Collins Aerospace on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Collins Aerospace's latest projects and innovations. Show us that you're genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their mission in aerospace technology.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. We want you to feel confident and articulate when discussing your passion for engineering and how your skills align with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your covering letter is tailored to the role – it’s your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Apprentice - Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for engineering and how your skills align with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send out the same CV for every application. Take a moment to tailor it specifically for this role at Collins Aerospace. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially your academic achievements in Maths and Physics.
Showcase Your Practical Skills:Since we’re looking for candidates with practical skills, make sure to mention any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s projects from school or hobbies related to engineering, we want to see how you’ve applied your knowledge in real-world situations.
Check Your Application Before Submitting:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough once-over. Spelling mistakes or unclear information can be a deal-breaker. We want to see your best work, so take the time to ensure everything is polished and professional!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collins Aerospace
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your engineering fundamentals, especially in areas like stress analysis and manufacturing processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Tailor Your Covering Letter
Make sure your covering letter is personalised and highlights how your skills and experiences align with the role. This is your chance to stand out, so mention specific projects or subjects that relate to the apprenticeship.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and practical knowledge. Think about scenarios where you've applied your technical skills, whether in school projects or personal interests, and be ready to discuss them.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since this role is all about 'earn-while-you-learn', express your eagerness to learn and grow within the company. Share examples of how you've approached learning in the past and how you plan to tackle new challenges in the apprenticeship.
