Air Traffic Systems Engineer Apprentice

The Air Traffic Engineer Apprentice role at Serco Defence offers a unique opportunity to start a career in aviation engineering. This apprenticeship combines practical experience with formal education, leading to qualifications in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. You will work alongside experienced engineers, focusing on the maintenance of air traffic systems. The position requires GCSEs in Maths and English, along with a commitment to safety and quality. The apprenticeship lasts up to 48 months, providing a clear pathway to becoming a qualified Air Traffic Engineer.

Location: Hawarden Airport, CH4 0DR

Salary: Competitive salary with annual reviews

Schedule: 38 hours per week, Monday – Friday

Apprenticeship Qualification: NVQ Level 3 Electrical/Electronic Engineering / HNC Level 4 Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Expected Apprenticeship Duration: Up to 48 months

Ready to impact a better future? Serco Defence at Hawarden Airport has an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Engineer to join our Air Traffic Engineering team. This role offers a clear pathway towards becoming a qualified Air Traffic Engineer (ATE), meeting UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards as an Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP). You’ll be part of a trusted team whose work touches lives every day — helping to keep air traffic services safe, reliable and future‑ready.

What you’ll do as an air traffic engineer apprentice:

• Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll combine practical, on‑the‑job learning with formal education at Coleg Cambria.
• You’ll initially work towards an NVQ Level 3 in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, progressing to a HNC Level 4 through part‑time study or day release.
• Once you’ve successfully completed the HNC Level 4 and are accepted into a full‑time ATE role, you’ll receive specialist equipment training.
• Reporting to the Senior Air Traffic Engineer, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers delivering monitoring, preventative maintenance and reactive repair of Air Traffic Services (ATS) Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) equipment.

This is a role with purpose, pride and headroom for people to grow — where precision, care and innovation really matter.

Key accountabilities:

• Deliver against your apprenticeship plan, ensuring all required modules are completed on time and to a strong standard.
• Work closely with engineering colleagues and managers to support the safe operation of air traffic services.

Does this sound like you? We’re looking for someone with the drive to build a long‑term, rewarding engineering career in an aviation environment. You’ll bring a methodical mindset, strong problem‑solving skills and a genuine commitment to safety and quality.

You’ll need:

• GCSEs in Maths (grade B), English Language, Science and another subject (grade C).
• NVQ Level 2 in Electronics (or similar), or A Levels in Maths and Physics at grade C or above.
• Motivation, dedication and a passion for electronic‑focused engineering.
• Eligibility to obtain DBS clearance (provided by Serco).
• The ability to meet medical fitness requirements and confidence working at height, including climbing masts.

Additional features of the role:

• Completion of ATSEP training and specialist equipment training following NVQ Level 3, which may involve travel, including overseas.
• Airside driving on the airfield will form part of the role; a full UK driving licence is an advantage.
• Ongoing support for your personal and professional development as you progress through your HNC and role‑specific training.

Discover all you need to keep growing. We offer a benefits package designed to support you now and into the future, including:

• Competitive pay with annual reviews.
• Up to 6 percent contributory pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Health and wellbeing support for you and your family, including an Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Plans and free flu vaccines.
• Access to the Serco benefits portal with discounts across retail, leisure and hospitality.
• A welcoming, inclusive culture where care, trust and growth are more than words — they’re how we work.

Your work has purpose here. Together, we create impactful solutions that make a positive impact on communities and help shape a safer, more connected future. Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.