About
The highly technical nature of the aerospace industry has created a huge demand for skilled and qualified specialists in the UK. That is why, at Airbus, we have carefully designed our apprenticeship programmes to give you valuable practical training while you complete your studies.
Our programmes provide a clear route for you to make your career fly in these areas of interest:
- Commercial Aircraft
- Defence and Space
- Helicopters
Programmes and Areas of Interest
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We usually employ four apprentices every year alternately at either our Kidlington or Shawbury sites. Our apprenticeship program is four years in total. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will be an Aircraft Maintenance Certifying Engineer and go on to have several “Type Ratings” on our helicopters. Our apprenticeship is in two parts. The first two years are dedicated to obtaining an EASA CAT A Licence. The final two years will require the knowledge, skills learnt and portfolio of evidence gained in the first two years to progress further towards obtaining an EASA CAT B1.3 (Mechanical) or B2 (Avionics) Licence.
- Year 1 and 2 (EASA CAT A Licence) The first two years are common to Avionic and Mechanical apprentices. The first 9 months are almost exclusively spent away from the AIRBUS (Helicopters) working environment with our training provider. Apprentices will work on helicopters and associated workshops, learning theoretical and practical engineering tasks with our training provider. This apprentice foundation phase will include two blocks of workplace training consisting of 18-20 days each working in a real world Part 145 AIRBUS (Helicopters) line, installation and maintenance environment. Apprentices will develop knowledge and competencies; delivered through classroom training, practical tasks assessed under Part 66 CAA regulations. Their competencies will be recorded in the MTEL (Maintenance Training Experience Log).
Gateway 1 is conducted after approximately 9 months to confirm apprentices progress before moving onto the development competence phase. Developmental competence requires the apprentice to gather evidence of occupational competence and complete a series of knowledge performance and skills assessments. The apprentice is then assessed by occupationally competent assessors. After approximately 9 months, on the development competence phase, the apprentice will work at AIRBUS (Helicopters) in a Part 145 environment gaining evidence, competence and experience.
Gateway 2 is conducted 3 - 6 months before the end of year 2 by AIRBUS (Helicopters) to review competencies and apprentice progress before applying for the EPA (End Point Assessment).
EPA (CAT A) is an independent assessment by an external organisation which consists of a series of pre-determined tasks set by the EPAO (End Point Assessment Organisation) e.g. Royal Aeronautical Society. The assessment consists of a portfolio of evidence, storyboards and an oral board. On successful completion of the EPA the apprentice will achieve L2 and 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering and a CAT A licence.
- Year 3 and 4 (EASA CAT A to CAT B) Approx. 462 days spent working in our maintenance and installation environment gaining experience for their CAP 741; with blocks of practical, off the job and theoretical training with our training provider. During this phase apprentices will develop knowledge and competencies delivered through classroom training, self-study, practical tasks assessed under Part 66 CAA regulations. Their competencies will be recorded in the MTEL (Maintenance Training Experience Log). Continuation of on the job training and assessment by mentors, culminating in a Competency Evaluation by AIRBUS (Helicopters).
Gateway 1 is conducted to confirm developmental competence, this requires the apprentice to gather evidence of occupational competence and complete a series of knowledge performance and skills assessments and then assessed by occupationally competent assessors.
Gateway 2 is conducted 3 - 6 months before the end of year 4 by AIRBUS (Helicopters) to review competencies and apprentice progress before applying for the EPA (End Point Assessment).
EPA (CAT B) is an independent assessment by an external organisation which consists of a series of pre-determined tasks set by the EPAO (End Point Assessment Organisation) e.g. Royal Aeronautical Society. The assessment consists of a portfolio of evidence, storyboards and an oral board. On successful completion of the EPA the apprentice will achieve L4 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering and a CAT B1.3 (Mechanical) or B2 licence (Avionics).
Minimum requirements:
The minimum entry qualifications for our engineering apprentices are:
- Grade B GSCE in Maths and Physics and grade C in English
- Be a UK/EEA citizens
Good to Know
Benefits
As an apprentice, you will always be rewarded for hard work. In addition to discretionary company success sharing bonus and optional participation in company share purchase schemes; we will make sure you enjoy the following benefits:
Right to work in the UK:
In the UK, Airbus offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities to all candidates who meet the Airbus apprenticeship entry requirements. Should you be successful during the Recruitment and Selection process, you will be legally required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and subject to a background check in line with our security requirements.
Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Therefore, we cannot progress applications from those who require sponsorship to work in the UK. We recommend that you review the available options to come to the UK on the Home Office website.
How to Apply
- Curriculum Vitae
Submit an up-to-date CV - this must include full details of your qualifications together with the grades achieved or predicted. We will be selecting applicants based on their qualifications and the quality of their applications. So, please take time to ensure your application is the best representation of you, your skills and experiences in connection with the role you have selected.
- Cover Letter
You must also include a cover letter as part of your application that demonstrates your interest in space and motivation to join the apprenticeship programme.
N.B.: Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to make further amendments. The 2021 edition is now closed. Thank you for submitting your application, we will get in touch with you for the next step of the recruitment session.
What happens next?
We always correspond via email, so please make sure you provide the right email address with your application and regularly check your inbox for any messages from us. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your spam filters now and again to make sure none of our emails slip through the net.
If you have any queries about the apprenticeship programme, your eligibility or need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process, do not hesitate to contact us. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.