Degree Apprentice

Overview

Aerospace engineer apprenticeship program with GKN Aerospace. Apprentices rotate through specialist teams across Airframe, Design & Stress, Systems Integration, Quality, Support Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing, gaining exposure to the full lifecycle of aerospace systems and products.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through specialist teams across Airframe, Design & Stress, Systems Integration, Quality, Support Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing
• Be involved in the full lifecycle of aerospace systems and products – from design and development, to testing, qualification, and in-service support
• Learn how to read and interpret engineering drawings, reports, and computer-generated models
• Collaborate with engineers from across multiple disciplines
• Develop problem-solving skills to design, test, validate, and improve engineering solutions
• Contribute to STEM outreach and community projects
• Convey information clearly; write reports and present findings including project progress and KPIs such as cost, quality, time, risk, and opportunities
• Use information technology for data presentation, digital communication, and engineering activities (including data analytics, AI, and machine learning)
• Apply problem-solving tools and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., RCA, PFMEA, Fishbone, PPS; Kaizen, Lean, Kanban)
• Produce and review design solutions and drawings using CAD and manual systems
• Model real-world systems using CAM, FEM, MBSE; assess designs for aerospace applications
• Develop and execute test plans to support product validation and approval
• Design functional aerospace systems and assemblies from component level
• Apply project management techniques (estimating, scheduling, risk and budget control, time and resource management)
• Identify and comply with legal and statutory requirements (health and safety, environmental protection, sustainability, aerospace certification, data protection)
• Plan and manage own time; work with and lead others including negotiation and conflict management
• Communicate with stakeholders verbally and in writing

Qualifications and Skills

• GCSEs in Maths, English, Science; A Levels including at least two STEM subjects (Maths, Physics) or equivalent UCAS points
• Problem solving skills
• Team working, collaboration, and ownership
• Curiosity, proactivity, and an interest in engineering

Training and Career Progression

• Year 1: Weston College – Level 2 qualification
• Year 2 onwards: On-site in Bristol – progression through Level 4 and Level 6 qualifications
• Aerospace engineer (level 6): Year 1 college-based learning (Bachelor of Engineering with hands-on training); Years 2-4 rotate across technical departments while continuing university studies (day release)
• Shareable pathway into roles such as Design Engineer, Analysis Engineer, Technology Engineer, Materials & Process Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Engineer upon successful completion

Company and Opportunities

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel with a focus on sustainability. The company has over 16,000 employees across 38 manufacturing sites in 12 countries and serves a majority of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. The program emphasizes learning, innovation, and contributing to a safer, greener future for aviation. Salary is competitive and includes a paid apprenticeship with potential for progression.