Craft Apprenticeship - Structures Test

• Achieve a minimum of five GCSEs which must include:

To be successful you need to:

• Grade C or 4 in Maths (B or 5 preferred)
• Grade C or 4 in English
• Plus 3 other GCSEs at grade C or 4;
• Other qualifications that are equivalent or higher may be considered as an alternative to the additional 3 GCSE's (subject to validation)
• Be naturally curious and excited to explore;
• Have excellent hands-on and workshop skills, using a variety of tools and equipment's;
• Be able to manage problems and communicate effectively to resolve them in a fast paced team environment;
• Feel passionate about Aerospace and shaping the sustainable future of the civil aircraft market;
• Have a passion for learning, teamwork and problem solving activities;

College: Weston College

Qualification: Aerospace Engineering Technician Level 3, Aerospace Manufacturing Fitter

Salary: A competitive starting salary of £19,185

35 hours per week // Half day Fridays! // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Success share // Plus many more flexible benefits!

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. For more information, please check the Government Website. Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.

Start date: September 2027

Location: Filton, Bristol

Duration: 4 years and 3 months

Application: We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for, however, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

Closing date for applications: 15th November 2026.

Year 1: During your first year you will spend Semester 1 (September to January) full-time studying at Weston College. In Semester 2 (February to June) you will start to spend 2 days per week onsite at Airbus Filton, with the other days at Weston college.

Years 2 and 3: Time to put your learning to action!

In second and third years, you will be on-site at Airbus Filton. As a Structures Test Apprentice, you will support the delivery of critical test campaigns by working on a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation tasks. You will learn practical skills and technical knowledge across two key areas:

Year 4: Apprentices will be based in their place of work on a full-time basis

• Machining tasks using lathes, mills, and surface grinders to modify or create simple components.
• Mechanical assembly of test specimens, rigs, and hydraulic systems - from small component tests to full aircraft wing evaluations.
• Installation of test instrumentation including sensors, inclinometers, string potentiometers, and high-speed cameras.
• Use of metrology techniques to perform precise physical measurements.
• Cable manufacture and creation of bespoke connectors.
• Installing and commissioning control and data acquisition systems.
• Participating in laboratory-based activities and supporting the test lifecycle from preparation to execution.

1. General Test Operations Role:

This position will provide broader exposure across all structural testing activities. You'll rotate through various disciplines and support the full test process-from component manufacturing to test execution and data acquisition-gaining a comprehensive understanding of how large aerospace structures are evaluated.

2. Calibration-Focused Role:

This position has a strong focus on metrology and calibration activities. You will work closely with our calibration engineers to ensure all measurement and test equipment is functioning accurately and meets regulatory standards. Responsibilities include:

• Performing calibrations on instruments such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, pressure gauges, and temperature sensors.
• Maintaining and updating calibration records and databases.
• Troubleshooting and repairing faulty equipment.
• Developing and optimising software-based calibration procedures.
• Ensuring compliance with quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025.
• Supporting development of new calibration techniques and procedures.

Note: Both roles offer opportunities to travel to other Airbus sites (e.g., Hamburg, Toulouse) and external suppliers to provide support and gain international experience.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will:

• Gain real-world experience working alongside industry experts in a high-tech environment.
• Build a blend of mechanical and electrical skills relevant to testing, calibration, and instrumentation.
• Develop professionally through structured training, academic learning, and hands-on projects.

As you progress, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in areas aligned with your interests-whether that's mechanical testing, data acquisition, or advanced calibration and metrology.

• Attach your CV (stating your predicted or achieved grades) and cover letter stating your motivation for the role and industry.

We want to get to know you! Not just your grades or school background so, tell us on your cover letter:

• Why Airbus?
  What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? Is it our aircraft, innovation, global impact, or something else? Let us know what interests you about our work and why we stand out to you.
• Why a hands-on apprenticeship?
  Why do you want to learn by doing? We'd love to hear what draws you to practical, skills-based learning.
• Show your hands-on experience.
  In your CV or cover letter, include any hands-on activities or hobbies where you've used practical skills. These could be things like:
  
  • DIY projects
  • Building and fixing things
  • Doing make-up or beauty work
  • Tinkering and Tech Projects
  • Building models
  • Baking or cooking
  • Others

Apprenticeship

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Student