Industrial engineering - Manufacturing tooling engineering
Job title
Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice
Employment type
3 Years
Professional category
Student
Full-time
Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice
Location: Gloucester
Programme: Level 3 Apprenticeship
Duration: Three years
Start Date: September 2027
Safran – Here, We Craft Excellence Together
At Safran, excellence is a journey, and we'd love you to be part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation and opportunity come together to shape a more sustainable future.
Our expertise covers the entire product lifecycle, from design, engineering and manufacturing through to maintenance, repair and overhaul. Our Gloucester site has been at the forefront of landing gear technology for more than 85 years, from the pioneering designs of Sir George Dowty to the advanced landing gear systems used on some of the world's most modern aircraft today.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Early finish on Fridays
- 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, with options to buy or sell additional days
- Annual bonus and share scheme options
- Pension scheme with up to 8% matched contributions
- Life assurance at four times your salary
- On-site parking, including electric vehicle charging points
- A wide range of flexible benefits and working options, depending on the role
- Enhanced maternity and family-friendly benefits
- Training, development, a personalised career plan and internal mobility opportunities
As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice, you'll support the development, improvement and maintenance of the manufacturing processes used to produce world-class aerospace landing gear components.
Working alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams, you'll gain hands‑on experience solving manufacturing challenges, improving efficiency and supporting the introduction of new products and technologies into production.
Throughout the programme, you'll develop both practical engineering skills and technical knowledge while gaining valuable experience across a wide range of manufacturing engineering activities.
Responsibilities
- Support Manufacturing Engineers with the development and improvement of manufacturing processes and methods.
- Assist with the creation and maintenance of manufacturing documentation, work instructions and process information.
- Develop an understanding of engineering drawings, specifications, materials and manufacturing processes.
- Support CNC programming, tooling and fixture development activities.
- Assist with investigating manufacturing challenges and identifying practical solutions.
- Support continuous improvement activities to improve quality, efficiency and delivery performance.
- Work with Production and Quality teams to resolve day‑to‑day manufacturing issues.
- Assist with the introduction and industrialisation of new products and manufacturing processes.
- Collect and analyse manufacturing data to support engineering decisions and improvements.
But what else? (benefits, specificities, etc.)
What's in It for You?
- Manufacturing engineering principles and processes.
- Engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation.
- CNC machining, tooling and manufacturing technologies.
- Problem solving and root cause analysis techniques.
- Continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Quality assurance and manufacturing best practice.
- Data analysis and performance monitoring.
- Supporting the introduction of new products and manufacturing processes.
Programme Structure
Year 1: You'll spend time with a local specialist training provider, where the relevant units of your qualification will be delivered and assessed.
Years 2–3: Your training and assessment will continue within Safran Landing Systems, where you'll apply your learning in the workplace and gain experience across different engineering environments to support your development.
All apprentices are assigned an Apprenticeship Coordinator who will support them throughout their learning journey.
Qualifications
On successful completion of the programme, you'll achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification.
Candidate Requirements
Essential Criteria
- Five GCSEs at grades 9–5 or A*–C, including English, Maths and Science.
- A genuine interest in engineering, manufacturing and technology.
- A willingness to learn and complete both the practical and academic aspects of the apprenticeship.
Desirable Criteria
- Studying, or previously studied, a relevant subject such as Engineering, Mathematics, Science or Design and Technology.
- An interest in how products are designed, manufactured and continuously improved.
- Experience of teamwork, projects, volunteering, work experience or extracurricular activities.
- An interest in problem solving, analysis or technical investigation.
Inclusion & Belonging at Safran
We’re committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome discussions about any reasonable adjustments that may help you participate fully.
We celebrate diversity and believe our differences help drive innovation, collaboration and success.
Job location
Europe, UK, England, South West
Entity
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking.
Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in landing gear, wheels & brakes, and associated systems for civil and military aircraft and helicopters. We master the entire lifecycle of our products, from design and manufacturing through to maintenance. Did you know that every second, somewhere in the world, an aircraft lands using one of our systems?
Would you like to grow in an international, stimulating and supportive environment within a human-sized company? Become one of our 8,000 passionate employees worldwide. Don't meet 100% of the requirements? That's not a barrier for us. Above all, we're looking for creative and committed people!
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Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice in Gloucester employer: Profils
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Gloucester where safety and quality are paramount. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our continuous improvement practices and the opportunity for varied shifts with competitive pay, ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice in Gloucester
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Profils, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Profils specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Profils
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Profils, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Profils value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
