At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and gain hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing.
- Company: GKN Aerospace, a leader in innovative air travel solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, holiday perks, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on diversity, inclusion, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Launch your career in aerospace with real-world skills and expert guidance.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above; A Levels or T Levels for Level 4 entry.
The predicted salary is between 16867 - 24520 £ per year.
Programme
Structure: Year 1 - Your first year is all about getting you ready to hit the ground running.
You'll build the core skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed in years 2 & 3 - with the right mix of learning, support, and hands-on prep to make it happen.
Years 2 & 3 - You'll rotate through different engineering areas of the business, gaining technical experience and expanding your knowledge along the way.
You'll have regular check-ins with our apprenticeship team to track your progress, all while continuing your college studies.
Year 4 - In your final placement, you'll build specialist skills and complete your End Point Assessment - all leading to your apprenticeship qualification.
At GKN Aerospace, we commit to teaching and supporting you to
- 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 our apprenticeship team, helping you stay on course and grow.
Our four-year Apprenticeship Programme, at our East Cowes facility, is your chance to dive into the world of cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering - no experience needed.
You'll learn by doing, get paid while you train, and grow your skills alongside experienced colleagues who will support you all the way.
At GKN Aerospace, in partnership with the Isle of Wight College and working in conjunction with either the Level 3 Aerospace Engineering Technician (Aerospace Technical Support Technician Pathway) or Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard, we'll teach you the skills you need to succeed - combining classroom learning with hands-on experience in real, industry-focused environments.
With our expert support, your curiosity, and a can-do attitude, there's no limit to what you can achieve - both options could potentially lead to an opportunity to achieve an Engineering Degree.
How You'll Contribute
Build Your Future in Aerospace!
In this technical role, you'll be part of a team delivering the future - whether it is Design, Stress, Manufacturing or Quality Engineering - don't worry, we'll teach you how!
You will gain real transferable skills that matter, from creating initial design concepts to certifying products for delivery.
Your work helps aircraft take flight - it's exciting and open to everyone.
If you enjoy problem solving, teamwork, and making things happen, this is your launch pad to a powerful future.
- What You'll Bring
- Willingness to Learn - 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 - You bring energy, enthusiasm, and a 'can-do' mind set to whatever you're working on.
Even when things get challenging, you stay focused and keep pushing forward.
- Curiosity - You like to ask questions, explore how things work, and understand the bigger picture.
You're interested in the details and eager to find out more.
You'll be part of a team that's got your back from day one - with awesome people ready to support you, guide you, and celebrate your wins.
Job Qualifications
To join us, you'll need
- For a Level 3 entry: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths, English and Science.
• For a Level 4 entry, you will also need one of the following
- A Levels in Engineering related subjects - Grade C and above.
- T Level in Engineering
- Other Level 3 Engineering qualifcations
Notes
- Functional Skills Level 2 in English & Maths, are a suitable alternative to GCSE English & Maths at grade 4 or above.
- Other suitable Level 2 qualifications will be considered, if you do not have 5 GCSE's.
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.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
Company Culture and Diversity
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.
- What You'll Get
- Starting salary between £16,867 to £24,520 (based on age related national minimum wage)
- Salary increased annually on completion of targets.
- A 37-hour week
• Half day finish on Fridays!
- 190 hours 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
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Engineering Technician Apprentice in East Cowes employer: GKN Aerospace Services Limited
GKN Aerospace is an exceptional employer located on the picturesque Isle of Wight, offering skilled aircraft fitters a unique opportunity to thrive in a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a strong commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and employee development, we provide comprehensive training and a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that not only pushes the boundaries of aerospace innovation but also prioritises your growth and well-being.
Contact Details:
GKN Aerospace Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Technician Apprentice in East Cowes
✨Get Hands-On at Local Workshops
Don’t miss out on local engineering workshops and hackathons! They’re a brilliant way to learn something new, meet fellow aspiring engineers, and often, company reps will be scouting for fresh talent. Plus, you can mention your hands-on experiences at these events during your interviews!
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering societies at your school or in your area. These communities often host talks, networking events, and even competitions, which can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, chatting with industry professionals is never a bad idea!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Consider starting a blog or a social media account where you can share your engineering projects, ideas, and learnings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also your initiative. Share the link on your application to really showcase who you are!
✨Don’t Wait, Apply Early!
Apprenticeships often have early application windows, so keep an eye on GKN Aerospace Services Limited’s website and get your applications in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to secure an interview and land that coveted position!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Technician Apprentice in East Cowes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at GKN Aerospace Services Limited, make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills and subjects you've excelled in. Include specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of engineering principles—anything from physics projects to CAD designs can really make your application stand out!
Include Your Learning Experience:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see how keen you are to learn. In your cover letter, talk about what you hope to gain from this opportunity at GKN Aerospace Services Limited and how it aligns with your career goals. Don’t be shy—express your enthusiasm for getting hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for engineering. List relevant coursework, skills, and any hands-on experiences like workshops or engineering clubs. Feel free to use a clear and structured layout so it's easy for the hiring team at GKN Aerospace Services Limited to see your qualifications at a glance.
Keep it Visual—If Possible!:If you've worked on any engineering projects, consider including visual elements in your application—like pictures, graphs or even a small portfolio link. This isn’t mandatory, but visuals can help us appreciate your work and problem-solving skills more effectively!
How to prepare for a job interview at GKN Aerospace Services Limited
✨Showcase Your Passion for Engineering
Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for engineering. Be ready to talk about any projects you've done, be it in school or in your spare time, as this shows your commitment and eagerness to learn on the job at GKN Aerospace Services Limited.
✨Get Hands-On with Technical Questions
Expect some technical queries related to basic engineering principles. Brush up on subjects you’ve covered in your studies, such as materials science or thermodynamics. They might throw a scenario your way to gauge how you would approach solving a problem—don't be afraid to think aloud!
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Apprenticeships often require working in teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in school or during any group projects. Share specific examples that reflect your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as this is highly valued in engineering roles at GKN Aerospace Services Limited.
✨Ask About Learning Opportunities
Make sure to prepare some questions about the apprenticeship itself, like how training will be structured or the types of projects you'll tackle. Showing curiosity about your growth will impress the interviewers at GKN Aerospace Services Limited, demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.