At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience maintaining live aircraft at Birmingham Airport.
- Company: Join TUI, the world's leading tourism business with global opportunities.
- Benefits: Starting salary of ÂŁ19,552, 25 days leave, and paid training.
- Why this job: Launch your engineering career in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science; passion for engineering required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse applicants; excellent career progression.
The predicted salary is between 1300 - 1500 ÂŁ per month.
Get your career off to a flying start. The sky’s the limit with TUI. We’re the world’s number one tourism business, operating in around 180 destinations worldwide and offering exciting long‑term career opportunities.
As part of our four‑year Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Line Maintenance), you’ll work at the heart of our airport engineering operation at Birmingham Airport, gaining hands‑on experience on live aircraft in a fast‑paced, operational environment. You’ll be supported throughout by experienced, licensed engineers as you develop the technical skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for a successful engineering career.
With over 130 aircraft in our fleet, our Line Maintenance teams play a vital role in keeping aircraft moving safely and on time every day.
The Apprenticeship
This programme combines structured learning with practical, on‑the‑job experience working on live aircraft between flights. Training is delivered in partnership with Resource Group. For the first 10 months of the programme, training will be delivered via block release alongside your on‑the‑job learning for the remainder of the apprenticeship.
On successful completion, you will achieve:
- Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Aircraft Maintenance Fitter/Technician pathway) and Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance
- An A1 Licence, subject to meeting regulatory requirements and organisational standards.
This learning pathway is designed to prepare you for a career within TUI Line Maintenance at Birmingham Airport.
About Our Offer
- Starting salary of ÂŁ19,552 per annum, with structured progression
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Paid block and day‑release training
- Pension scheme and life assurance
- Health and Wellbeing support across Financial, Health, Social, Community and Career areas
- Employee reward platform with savings on shopping, days out and more
- Foreign exchange discounts
- Ongoing investment in your learning and development
- On completion of the apprenticeship: a TUI voucher and an additional day off to celebrate
About the Job
You will:
- Carry out live aircraft maintenance tasks between flights under the direct supervision of licensed engineers
- Support fault diagnosis, defect rectification and scheduled maintenance activities
- Work within a shift‑based, airport‑operational environment
- Learn how line maintenance supports daily flying schedules and operational performance
- Develop strong awareness of safety, quality and regulatory compliance
- Build technical knowledge through a combination of hands‑on experience and formal training
- Spend time in a classroom environment, learning engineering theory and demonstrating knowledge through exams and coursework
About You
We’re looking for people with potential, motivation and commitment, rather than previous aviation experience. You will be able to demonstrate:
- A strong work ethic and commitment to learning
- Team‑working and clear communication skills
- A practical and analytical approach to problem‑solving
- Resilience and adaptability in a safety‑critical environment
- The ability to study independently and take ownership of your learning
- A genuine interest in engineering and aviation
- Practical hand skills gained through education, hobbies or interests
Entry Requirements
GCSEs at Grade 5/B or above in English, Maths and Science. We’re also interested in technical GCSE subjects (e.g. Engineering, Electronics, Design & Technology), or practical technical experience from work or hobbies. We also welcome equivalent qualifications or relevant technical experience, such as:
- Relevant military trade training or technical qualifications (aviation mechanical/engineering)
- Level 2 vocational engineering or science qualifications
- Other technical certificates demonstrating applied engineering or scientific knowledge
You must be able to work from Birmingham Airport and live within a 30‑mile radius, due to the operational and shift‑based nature of the role.
Eligibility & Essential Requirements
Please read carefully before applying. You must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be aged 17 years and 9 months or older by the programme start date in September 2026
- Not already hold a Level 4 qualification (or higher) in Engineering, in line with apprenticeship funding rules
- Have the permanent right to live and work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
- If you hold overseas qualifications, provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability
- Be able to obtain and maintain an airside pass, including a satisfactory DBS check
- Be willing to work shifts, including early mornings, late finishes, weekends and bank holidays
Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in your application being withdrawn.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – Mandatory Requirements
All apprentice engineers must be able to:
- Work in confined spaces
- Work at height, including using harnesses and mobile working platforms
- Wear respiratory protective equipment and pass face‑fit requirements
- Pass an annual medical examination
- Interpret Aircraft Maintenance Manuals
- Successfully complete CAA‑derived engineering examinations
We’re proud to be building a more inclusive engineering community and actively welcome applications from female, ethnic minority and disabled candidates, who are currently under‑represented within our Aircraft Engineering teams. At TUI, we want everyone to feel they belong. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know — we’re happy to help.
Closing date: 27th March 2026. We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest. Assessment centres scheduled - April 2026.
2026 Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Line Maintenance Birmingham) employer: TUI Cruises GmbH
Contact Detail:
TUI Cruises GmbH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Line Maintenance Birmingham)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research TUI and their values, especially around safety and teamwork. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the role, especially your practical hand skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When heading to your interview, wear something smart but comfortable. You want to look professional while also feeling at ease, so you can focus on showcasing your passion for engineering and aviation.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Line Maintenance Birmingham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When writing your application, let us see your genuine interest in engineering and aviation. Share any relevant experiences, whether from school projects, hobbies, or even just a fascination with how things work. This will help us understand why you want to join our apprenticeship programme.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and qualities we’re looking for. Use keywords from the job description, like teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the apprenticeship. A well-structured application is easier for us to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the apprenticeship there, making it easier for you to prepare.
How to prepare for a job interview at TUI Cruises GmbH
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of aircraft maintenance and engineering principles. Familiarise yourself with basic concepts and terminology related to aviation. This will show your genuine interest in the field and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for engineering and aviation. Share any relevant hobbies or projects that demonstrate your practical skills. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the industry and eager to learn.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since this role involves working closely with licensed engineers and other team members, highlight your teamwork and communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, whether in school projects or extracurricular activities.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the company culture. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about the opportunity. Consider asking about the types of projects you might work on or how the training is structured.