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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience maintaining live aircraft at Manchester 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 candidates; excellent career progression.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 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, offering exciting global opportunities and long‑term career progression.
As part of our four‑year Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Line Maintenance), you’ll work at the heart of our airport engineering operation at Manchester 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 aircraft 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)
- 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 Manchester 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
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 Manchester 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 Manchester) 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 Manchester)
✨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 any interviews or assessments, run through common questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your passion for engineering and aviation.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or past apprentices on LinkedIn or at career fairs. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about landing this apprenticeship.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Line Maintenance Manchester)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Aviation: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering and aviation shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the field and excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with us.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the apprenticeship role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do at TUI.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your application is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications and motivations quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the apprenticeship there.
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 terminology and processes related to line maintenance, as this will show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for aviation and engineering. Share any relevant hobbies or projects that demonstrate your practical skills and commitment to learning. This can help you stand out as a motivated candidate.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight your communication skills and adaptability, especially in challenging situations, to show you're ready for the fast-paced environment.
✨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 not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if TUI is the right fit for you.
