Apprentice Aircraft Engine Technician in Leighton Buzzard

Pratt and Whitney Canada (an RTX company) is a global aerospace leader, shaping the future of business, general, and regional aviation, as well as helicopters and APUs. Pratt and Whitney Canada UK forms part of the Regional Customer Service Centre Network and has a repair centre based in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.

What you will do:

• Ensure all technical documentation has been correctly completed prior to commencement of work.
• Ensure work scope has been correctly prepared in line with customer and P&WC requirements.
• Be aware of the commercial aspects of the work requirements and negotiate with the customer as appropriate.
• Maintain and complete work files and relevant documentation, showing detailed entries of work performed.
• Check in and strip engines in line with work scope requirements and carry out basic cleaning of components as necessary.
• Inspect all relevant components and identify items for scrap, rework or refit with reference to and interpretation of relevant product information.
• Build engines to defined standards ensuring fit, clearance and modification levels are accurate using appropriate P&WC hand tools and measuring equipment.
• Accurately update the technical pack throughout the build process to ensure its accuracy and completion prior to release of the engine.
• Constantly seek improvements to turn time and cost reductions.
• On occasion provide in-field assistance to the Mobile Field Support Engineers.
• Generate accurate cost estimates and technical reports as required, in adherence to the quoted costs. Ensure that the customer is advised of any escalation in costs before estimate values are exceeded.
• Assist in the generation of invoices to ensure these are issued in line with company targets.
• Generate good customer communication and issue regular status reports for in house work as necessary.
• Attend college course (Stansted College – Aircraft Maintenance Fitter/Technician Apprenticeship) and ensure all relevant work associated with the course is completed on time.
• Ad hoc projects to support the Technical team as and when required.
• Ensure you are 18 and able to get yourself to Stansted College each week.

What you will learn:

We recognise that you will be at the start of your career, and we are committed to supporting and developing you throughout your apprenticeship. You will receive hands-on training and guidance from experienced colleagues, giving you the opportunity to build confidence, develop practical skills, and apply what you are learning at college in a real workplace environment. You will be encouraged to get involved, ask questions, and take ownership of your learning as your capability grows. During the apprenticeship, you will gain exposure to the full engine lifecycle, with opportunities to work in the shop and in the field. The Aircraft Maintenance Technician apprenticeship equips learners with essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours critical for success in the aviation industry. Participants will gain a solid foundation in health and safety regulations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the principles of aircraft systems and materials. Key skills include problem-solving, data collection, and documentation management, alongside proficiency in maintenance methods and inspections. Apprentices will also learn to utilise various tools and technologies while adhering to environmental and sustainability standards. Effective communication, both written and verbal, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous professional development are integral to the training, ensuring technicians prioritise safety and foster an inclusive workplace culture.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic student who is keen to learn and committed to achieving both personal and business goals while working as part of a busy technical team. Minimum requirement: GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4, or Functional Skills English and Maths at Level 2. You will bring a strong work ethic and an organised approach, with the ability to manage tasks effectively and meet deadlines. You will also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and feel comfortable working with a wide range of people and teams at all levels across the organisation.

What We Offer:

• A competitive base salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ability to buy and sell holidays
• Employee discounts
• A fantastic pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership

Why Join The Team?

At Pratt & Whitney, we believe that powered flight has transformed and will continue to transform the world. That is why we work with an explorer's heart and a perfectionist's grit to design, build, and service the world's most advanced aircraft engines. We do this across a diverse portfolio, including Commercial Engines, Business Aviation, General Aviation, Regional Aviation, and Helicopter Aviation – and as a way of turning possibilities into realities for our customers. This is how we at Pratt & Whitney approach our work, and this is why we are inspired to go beyond!

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.