2026 Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Base Luton)

Ready to take off? Join TUI, the world’s number one tourism business, and begin an exciting career in aircraft engineering. Our four-year Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn, develop and grow within our Engineering & Maintenance team, working on real aircraft while gaining nationally recognised qualifications.

With a fleet of over 130 aircraft operating across around 180 destinations worldwide, safety, quality and innovation sit at the heart of everything we do.

This apprenticeship combines practical, hands-on experience with structured learning. You’ll work alongside skilled engineers while studying with Stansted College through paid day release.

During the programme, you’ll work towards:

• Level 3 Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship (ST1315)
• Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance

Based on achievement levels during the programme, there may be potential to apply for an A1 Licence, subject to meeting regulatory and organisational requirements. This apprenticeship prepares you for a career as an Aircraft Mechanic within our Base Maintenance facility in Luton.

What you’ll get:

• Starting salary of £19,552 per annum, with substantial salary progression throughout the programme and eligibility for bonus.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Paid day release and arranged transport to and from college from base.
• Pension scheme and life assurance.
• Health and wellbeing support across financial, physical, social, community and career areas.
• Employee reward platform offering savings on shopping, days out and travel.
• Foreign exchange discounts.
• Ongoing investment in your learning and development, including a mentor from among our most highly skilled and experienced licensed engineers.
• On successful completion: a TUI voucher and an additional day off to celebrate.

As an Aircraft Engineering Apprentice, you’ll:

• Support live aircraft maintenance under the supervision of licensed engineers.
• Help carry out minor repairs and modifications on TUI and third-party aircraft.
• Rotate across engineering teams to gain a broad understanding of the operation.
• Learn how we keep safety, quality and compliance at the heart of everything we do.
• Develop your technical knowledge through hands-on experience and structured learning.
• Gain exposure to engineering activity across UK bases and potentially Europe.
• Spend time in a classroom environment, learning engineering theory and demonstrating knowledge through exams and coursework.

You don’t need previous aviation experience — we’re looking for potential, motivation and commitment. You’ll be someone who:

• Has a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to learn.
• Enjoys working as part of a team and communicating with others.
• Takes a practical and logical approach to problem-solving.
• Shows resilience and adaptability.
• Is comfortable studying independently and asking for support when needed.
• Has an interest in engineering and the aviation industry, and is committed to a career in aircraft maintenance.
• Enjoys hands-on activities or practical hobbies.

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.
• Ideally, you’ll live within a 30-mile radius of the Luton base.

Eligibility & essential requirements:

Please read carefully before applying. To be eligible, you must:

• Not already hold a Level 4 qualification (or higher) in Engineering.
• Have the permanent right to live and work in the UK (no visa sponsorship).
• Provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability for any overseas qualifications.
• Be able to obtain and maintain an airside pass, including a satisfactory DBS check.
• Meet Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) medical, fitness and regulatory requirements.

CAA mandatory requirements:

All apprentice engineers must be able to:

• Work in confined spaces, such as aircraft fuel tanks.
• Work at height using harnesses and mobile working platforms.
• Wear respiratory protective equipment and pass face-fit testing.
• Pass an annual medical assessment.
• Interpret Aircraft Maintenance Manuals.
• Successfully complete CAA-related engineering examinations.

We welcome applications from female, ethnic minority and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented within our Aircraft Engineering teams. TUI is a Disability Confident Employer and guarantees an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. Adjustments are available during the recruitment process.

Closing date: 27th March 2026 – We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest.

Assessment centre schedule: April 2026.