Aerospace Production Operative Apprenticeship

In your second year, you'll get to try out different areas of the business - from supporting manufacturing within our Integrated Machine Facility to gaining experience in Systems, Assembly and Treatments. You'll be working on real projects, learning new skills, and figuring out what you enjoy most. Alongside this, you'll be working towards your Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship. With regular mentor check-ins and ongoing college studies, you'll be building up a portfolio of work that shows just how far you've come. Year 3 - Specialising and achieving Your final year is where everything comes together. You'll settle into a final placement in the workplace, develop your specialist skills, and get ready for your end-point assessment. By the end, you'll not only complete your apprenticeship-you'll be set up with the skills and experience to launch your career.

Responsibilities

• Work safely and accurately by following engineering instructions, health & safety regulations, and quality procedures - we'll guide you every step of the way.
• Build strong technical, hands-on skills in a live production setting, learning how to contribute to high-performance aerospace manufacturing.
• Attend college or training sessions regularly, complete assignments on time, and apply what you learn in the workplace with our full support.
• Keep clear records of your work, track your development, and review progress regularly with your dedicated mentor, helping you stay on course and grow.
• You’ll pick up skills that really matter - like working with machines, managing your time, solving problems, and teaming up with others. The work you do helps planes take off and fly.
• You’re open to new ideas, ready to take on feedback, and always looking to grow. You don’t need to know everything now – just be ready to learn and improve every step of the way.
• Positive Attitude
• Curiosity
• Willingness to Learn

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

This Foundation Apprenticeship is open to candidates aged 16-21. Applicants aged 22-24 may also be eligible if they meet specific criteria (are a care leaver, are a prisoner or prison leaver, have an education, health and care (EHC) plan). Unfortunately, applicants aged 25 or over are not eligible for this programme under current government rules.

Our three-year Aerospace Production Operative programme is your chance to dive into the world of Aerospace Manufacturing and Engineering - no experience or qualifications needed. Throughout the programme, you'll develop hands-on experience working alongside skilled professionals at our manufacturing site in Filton, Bristol. In partnership with Weston College, you'll work towards achieving both an Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship and a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship. You'll learn by doing, earn while you train, and gain hands-on experience in industry-style environments, supported by experienced mentors every step of the way. With classroom learning, practical engineering skills, and your own drive and ambition, you'll be ready to take the first step towards an exciting career in aerospace.

You'll gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, work with the latest technology shaping the future of flight. This isn't just training - it's the first step towards a career you can be proud of. We'll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go? A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It's a culture that won us 'The Best Workplace Culture Award'. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know. We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

Benefits

• A starting Salary of £14,591
• 4 day working week - Friday's off!
• 25 days of holiday (plus bank holidays!) to recharge and relax
• Discounts on your favourite shops and brands
• A top-tier pension scheme - we boost your savings for the future
• Life assurance and income protection, because your wellbeing matters
• Access to a 24/7 support programme if you ever need to talk
• Virtual GP appointments for you and your close family