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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a hands-on aerospace engineering apprenticeship while earning your degree.
- Company: GKN Aerospace, a leader in sustainable aviation technology.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary, gain real-world experience, and avoid student debt.
- Other info: Diverse, supportive community with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aerospace with innovative projects and expert mentorship.
- Qualifications: Strong interest in engineering and problem-solving; STEM subjects preferred.
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster, and greener! Fueled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the standards in our industry, we are inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies and are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 billion in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
What Youll Be Doing
Join Us as an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice
Location: Global Technology Centre Bristol
Start Date: September 2026
Are you curious, ambitious, and ready to take your first step into the world of aerospace engineering? This is your chance to earn a degree, gain hands‑on experience, and help shape the next generation of aerospace technology, all while getting paid.
We’re looking for creative problem‑solvers, big thinkers, and team players from every background to join our Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. You’ll mix university study with real‑world engineering, working alongside experts who are designing and building the technologies that will power a greener, more connected world.
- Rotate through specialist teams across Airframe Design & Stress Systems Integration Quality Support Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing.
- Be involved in the full life cycle 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.
- Spend your first year at Weston College working toward your Level 2 qualification before moving on site in Bristol from Year 2, where you’ll progress through your Level 4 and Level 6 qualifications.
- Contribute to STEM outreach and community projects because engineering isn’t just about technology—it’s about people too.
What Youll Learn
- Aerospace systems, aeronautical sciences, and material sciences.
- Engineering processes and practices (mechanical, electrical, electronic systems).
- Analytical methods and engineering mathematics.
- Regulatory, environmental, and quality standards.
- Real‑world engineering skills such as planning, testing, inspection, production, and life‑cycle management.
- The importance of sustainability, safety, and teamwork in real projects.
What Youll Bring
Youll typically need:
- 96 UCAS points (A‑Level or equivalent) ideally including two STEM subjects such as Maths, Physics, Computing, or Electronics.
- Five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English, and Double Science (or equivalent).
- We also welcome applications from those with Education Health & Care Plans (EHCPs) where a minimum Entry Level 3 in English and Maths is required.
Who We’re Looking For
- A genuine interest in engineering problem‑solving and innovation.
- A collaborative mindset with the ability to take ownership of your work.
- Curiosity, proactivity, and a strong eagerness to learn.
- Motivation to work toward becoming a professional Associate Engineer.
What We’ll Offer
At the heart of everything we do are our five culture principles: Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, and Ownership. Safety always comes first, but so does your growth, wellbeing, and future.
- Earn while you learn: a competitive salary with no student debt.
- Gain a degree in Aerospace Engineering while working on live projects.
- Mentorship from experienced engineers and leaders.
- Access world‑class training and career opportunities.
- Make a real impact in shaping the future of sustainable aviation.
- Support with sourcing student accommodation in your first year if required.
- A pathway to a permanent role at the end of the programme.
What To Expect In The Selection Process
Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:
- Apply online with a simple form including a few pre‑screening questions.
- Take part in an online assessment if you meet the criteria.
- Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol, where you’ll get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
- Begin your journey with us in September 2026.
Ready to launch your career in aerospace?
This is more than an apprenticeship; it’s your chance to launch a career, make an impact, and join a diverse, supportive community that believes in you. To find out more about apprenticeships at GKN and hear from our apprentices, click Apprentices – GKN Careers.
Apply today and take your place in an industry that’s flying toward the future.
We 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. With some of the best training 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 at 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 selves to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, 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.
Key Skills
- Aerospace Engineering
- Clearance
- Engineering support
- FAA
- Fortran
- NASA
- C#
- C++
- Matlab
- Electrical Systems
- Project Management
- Java
- Structural Analysis
- CAAD
- Technical Reports
Employment Type: Trainee
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
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Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice employer: GKN
Contact Detail:
GKN Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research GKN Aerospace and their projects. Understanding their values and recent innovations will help you stand out during interviews and show your genuine interest in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to engineering and teamwork. Think of examples from your studies or projects that showcase your problem-solving skills and collaborative mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about landing this apprenticeship with us at GKN Aerospace.
We think you need these skills to ace Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! Talk about what excites you about aerospace and how you’ve engaged with the field, whether through projects, studies, or personal interests.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and collaborative mindset, as these are key traits we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We want to understand your thoughts easily, so make sure your application flows well and is easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at GKN
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of aerospace systems, aeronautical sciences, and engineering processes. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to real-world scenarios, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you tackled engineering challenges or collaborated on projects. Highlight your analytical methods and how you approached problem-solving, as this is key for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the aerospace industry. Ask insightful questions about the company’s projects and sustainability initiatives, showing that you’re not just interested in the job but also in contributing to their mission.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experiences in collaborative settings. Share how you’ve taken ownership of your work while supporting others, aligning with the company’s culture principles.