Dowty- Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, 2026 intake

Job Description Summary

You will work within multiple engineering disciplines for the design and manufacture of aircraft propellers. Participants will graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing from UWE, University of the West of England.

Job Description

About GE Aerospace

Are you ready to see your future take flight? At GE Aerospace, we are advancing aviation technologies for today and tomorrow. Your work will contribute to the production of advanced jet engines, components, and integrated systems that power commercial and military aircraft. You\’ll be part of a team that embraces your drive, your curiosity, and your unique ideas and perspectives. Most importantly, you\’ll share in our pride and purpose that affects the lives of millions around the world!

Dowty, part of GE Aerospace Systems based in Gloucestershire, is a leading supplier of advanced technology, composite-bladed propeller systems for a wide range of regional turboprop and military transport aircraft. As a world-leading manufacturer of integrated propeller systems, Dowty Propellers provides solutions for the propulsion systems of today and tomorrow. Key programs include the Lockheed Martin C-130J, the De-Haviland, Dash 8-400 and the Leonardo C-27J.

Our products are used in applications that range from regional airliners and military airlifters to marine hovercraft. Operated by a highly skilled workforce, Dowty Propellers\’ in-house production expertise for composite blades includes application of resin transfer moulding processes, which have been continuously evolved and perfected since 1976; and the use of braiding machines that rapidly and accurately apply the blades\’ fibre outer layers.

Dowty is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, and according with all local laws protecting different status.

Role Summary

Overview of the scheme

Length of Program: 4 years including End Point Assessment.

The first year is 2 days per week full time at University of Western England located in Bristol. In the second year you will be at university one day per week, with the remainder spent in the workplace. Third year is similar, and the fourth year is in the workplace, with time allocated for you to complete your EPA and any other required assignments.

The successful applicant will join our successful apprentice program to learn the role of a Manufacturing Engineer (ME). As a Manufacturing Engineer our role is to work between product engineering and production to translate engineering intent into manufacturable products by defining process, materials and tooling to ensure we create a seamless delivery of product, on time, and to quality, for our customers.

Keeping yourself, the ME team and the business safe and compliant in all your daily tasks.

To undertake a series of cross functional job rotations in production, quality, design, materials & processes, tool design, Non-Destructive Test to obtain a broad understanding of the success factors in becoming a successful manufacturing engineer.

Your last rotation will be inside ME where you will gain experience working on core ME tasks such as:

• Writing and iteratively improving clear and concise manufacturing work instructions that align with technical specifications.
• Generating machine code for CNC machining centres (lathes/mills/cutting tables) as well as metrology tools (CMM/measurement arms/laser scanners).
• Presenting data driven solutions to manufacturing engineering problems following structured Lean and problem-solving methodologies (Six Sigma, Red X, 8D, Lean).
• Creating and developing production techniques from raw material to finished product placing Safety, Quality, Delivery & Cost (SQDC) at the centre of all decisions.
• Proactively suggesting and developing new technology initiatives to fixtures, tooling, and equipment to improve manufacturing processes.
• Actively contributing to the achievement of year-on-year improvements in key manufacturing metrics such as Throughput, Yield, Cycle Time & Defects-Per-Unit.
• Creating PFMEAs (Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis) for current and future production processes to support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).

Qualifications/Requirements

Please ensure you have achieved or are predicted these grades or above as these are the minimum requirements to join this apprenticeship. Failure to meet these grades could mean you are not eligible to join the programme.

Essential

• Minimum of 112 UCAS points via:
  • 3 A-Levels at grade BBC or above (including Mathematics and another STEM-based subject e.g., Physics/Electronics/Computing or similar)
  • BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering at grade DMM or above
  • Equivalent qualification with appropriate Mathematics content
• Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent (we accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths)

Desired

• An understanding of our business and products, and the broader aerospace industry and the challenges we face.
• A commitment to personal development and community volunteering.

Desired Characteristics

• Able to roll up your sleeves and get involved in projects
• Organised & able to work towards deadlines
• Inspired and curious to learn
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Able to take ownership for projects
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Able to work as part of a team

Recruitment Process

As part of our recruitment process, you will be required to submit an initial CV application. After this, the stages include a video interview and assessment centre. Our recruitment team will be in touch with you at every stage to keep you updated and understand what is next in the process.

If you require any adjustments to the process to enable you to be at your best, please email the team via Apprenticeship.Queries@ge.com.

Please only submit one application. If you submit multiple applications, we will progress the most suitable one. If in future you are deemed to be suitable for other opportunities, we will automatically consider you for these too.

Please note our applications will close on Sunday 2nd November but may close earlier dependant on application volumes. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Total Reward

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice, and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE, we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs.

• Non-contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. Further, sponsorship is not available for our Early Careers opportunities. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Whether we are manufacturing components for our engines, driving innovation in fuel and noise reduction, or unlocking new opportunities to grow and deliver more productivity, our GE Aerospace teams are dedicated and making a global impact. Join us and help move the aerospace industry forward.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No