Aircraft Fitter (Operations) Apprentice

Summary

Working in conjunction with the Level 3 Aerospace Engineering Technician Standard, and working across a wide range of manufacturing processes within our many production areas, our four-year programme will provide you with all the development and training that you need to get your career in aerospace manufacturing off to a flying start!

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Competitive salary, increasing each year. Benefits include company pension, sickness benefits, workwear and PPE provided and local and national discounts (including ferries)

Training course

Aerospace engineering technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.

37 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 2 September 2027

Duration

4 years

Positions available

8

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

In this hands-on role, you’ll be part of a team delivering the future - building parts, testing components, and working with powerful tech and tools - don’t worry, we’ll teach you how! You will gain real transferable skills that matter, from assembling complex aerospace components to turning complex ideas into reality. Your work helps aircraft take flight - it’s exciting, practical, and open to everyone, who has the desire to become a skilled aircraft fitter. If you enjoy problem solving, teamwork, and making things happen, this is your launch pad to a powerful future.

Our four-year Apprenticeship Programme, at our East Cowes facility, is your chance to dive into the world of cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering - no experience needed. You’ll learn by doing, get paid while you train, and grow your skills alongside experienced colleagues who will support you all the way.

Where you'll work

Ferry Road
East Cowes
Isle Of Wight
PO32 6RA

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THE ISLE OF WIGHT COLLEGE

Training course

Aerospace engineering technician (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Resolve engineering or manufacturing engineering problems utilising problem-solving techniques. For example, practical problem solving (PPS), root cause analysis (RCA), advanced product quality planning (APQP), and process failure effect mode analysis (PFEMA).
• Review and select technical information from multiple sources. For example, dimensional requirements, tolerances, surface finishes and operational sequences using drawings, measurement and production output statistical data.
• Read and interpret information. For example, text, data, design drawings, engineering drawings, job cards, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals.
• Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communicate in writing. For example, prepare written technical reports for stakeholders using aerospace terminology where appropriate.
• Apply safe systems of work. For example, risk assessments, safe working practises for machinery, equipment, and tools in workplace environments.
• Apply team working principles. For example, contribute to team meetings. Identify and report on work progress, issues or concerns.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
• Apply health and safety procedures, safe working practises in compliance with regulations and standards.
• Apply environmental and sustainability procedures in compliance with regulations and standards. For example, segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
• Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
• Follow manufacturers’ instructions and procedures.
• Provide information on work process and outcomes to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Use information technology prioritising data protection and cyber security. Comply with GDPR. For example, digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication and collaboration.
• Use science and engineering principles to solve engineering problems. For example, solve engineering problems using calculus, statistics, probability, needs analysis and systems engineering.
• Technical support option: Organise and plan technical engineering activities.
• Technical support option: Apply statistical methods analysis to generate reports. For example, parts per million (PPM), quality adherence.
• Technical support option: Produce technical information. For example, technical reports on engineering, manufacturing or maintenance activities.
• Fitter option: Maintain the work area prior to, during, and on completion of the activity. Restore work area and return resources and consumables on completion.
• Fitter options: Select, check and use tools, jigs and marking out equipment for aerospace production activities.
• Fitter options: Assemble, position and fix mechanical fasteners or electrical connections.
• Fitter options: Select and use measuring equipment. For example, digital micrometers, callipers, go and no-go gauges, torque measuring equipment, electrical continuity measuring equipment.
• Fitter options: Produce aerospace assemblies in accordance with specified manufacturing instructions.
• Fitter options: Inspect completed aerospace assemblies in line with specified manufacturing tolerances.
• Machinist option: Interpret information from Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD, CAM) software.
• Machinist options: Maintain the machining work area prior to, during and on completion of the activity. Restore area and return resources and consumables on completion.
• Machinist option: Inspect condition and operation of all safety mechanisms. For example, interlocks.
• Machinist option: Select and validate CNC Programmes.
• Machinist option: Mount and set work-holding devices, work piece and cutting tools.
• Machinist option: Select machine type and prepare tooling for machining operations.
• Machinist option: Set the machine tool operating parameters to component specification.
• Machinist option: Perform machining operations.
• Machinist option: Inspect completed aerospace components in line with specified manufacturing tolerances.
• Resolve engineering or manufacturing engineering problems utilising problem-solving techniques. For example, practical problem solving (PPS), root cause analysis (RCA), advanced product quality planning (APQP), and process failure effect mode analysis (PFEMA).
• Review and select technical information from multiple sources. For example, dimensional requirements, tolerances, surface finishes and operational sequences using drawings, measurement and production output statistical data.
• Read and interpret information. For example, text, data, design drawings, engineering drawings, job cards, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals.
• Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communicate in writing. For example, prepare written technical reports for stakeholders using aerospace terminology where appropriate.
• Apply safe systems of work. For example, risk assessments, safe working practises for machinery, equipment, and tools in workplace environments.
• Apply team working principles. For example, contribute to team meetings. Identify and report on work progress, issues or concerns.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
• Apply health and safety procedures, safe working practises in compliance with regulations and standards.
• Apply environmental and sustainability procedures in compliance with regulations and standards. For example, segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
• Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
• Follow manufacturers’ instructions and procedures.
• Provide information on work process and outcomes to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Use information technology prioritising data protection and cyber security. Comply with GDPR. For example, digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication and collaboration.
• Use science and engineering principles to solve engineering problems. For example, solve engineering problems using calculus, statistics, probability, needs analysis and systems engineering.

Training schedule

At GKN Aerospace, in partnership with the Isle of Wight College and working in conjunction with the Level 3 Aerospace Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard (Aerospace Fitting Technician Pathway), we’ll teach you the skills you need to succeed - combining classroom learning with hands-on experience in real, industry-focused environments. With our expert support, your curiosity, and a can-do attitude, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

Your first year will be spent at CECAMM, the Isle of Wight College's Centre of Excellence for Composites, Advanced Manufacturing and Marine where you will undertake a Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering and the first year of your Level 3 BTEC in Engineering. Your second year will be completed as day release in Year two. Years two to four will be spent on the shopfloor rotating around different departments and contracts.

You will also undertake a Level 3 NVQ in Aeronautical Engineering in Years two and three.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you will have achieved:

• Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Foundation Competence)
• Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge) (BTEC)
• Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing
• A nationally recognised Level 3 Aerospace Engineering Technician Apprenticeship certificate

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

5 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science (grade 4 or above (C or above))

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience

Other requirements

PLEASE ALSO NOTE the position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. In order for us to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we do assess each case individually).

Note: please apply for one role only. Please use a personal email address for your application, rather than a school or parental email address. A cover letter is strongly recommended.