Advanced Operations (Craft) Apprentice

About the Apprenticeship

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: TUESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2026

Ready to build something amazing

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. Youll learn by doing get paid while you train and grow your skills alongside experienced colleagues who will support you all the way.

At GKN Aerospace in partnership with the Isle of Wight College and working in conjunction with the Level 3 Aerospace Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard well 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 theres no limit to what you can achieve.

Build Your Future in Aerospace!

In this hands-on role youll be part of a team delivering the futurebuilding parts testing components and working with powerful tech and tools dont worry well 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 its exciting practical and open to everyone. If you enjoy problem solving teamwork and making things happen this is your launch pad to a powerful future.

About You

• Willingness to Learn
  Youre open to new ideas ready to take on feedback and always looking to grow. You dont need to know everything now just be ready to learn and improve every step of the way.
• Positive Attitude
  You bring energy enthusiasm and a can-do mind set to whatever youre working on. Even when things get challenging you stay focused and keep pushing forward.
• Curiosity
  You like to ask questions explore how things work and understand the bigger picture. Youre interested in the details and eager to find out more.

Youll be part of a team thats got your back from day one with awesome people ready to support you guide you and celebrate your wins. Were all about creating a friendly inclusive space where everyone can learn grow and smash their goals.

To join us youll need:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths and English or Functional Skills Level 2.

If youve got the drive well help you build the skills.

Whats in it for you

• Year 1 Your first year is all about getting you ready to hit the ground running. Youll build the core skills knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in years 2 & 3 with the right mix of learning support and hands-on prep to make it happen.
• Years 2 & 3 Youll rotate through different final assembly areas of the business gaining hands-on experience and expanding your knowledge along the way. Youll have regular check-ins with our apprenticeship team to track your progress all while continuing your college studies.
• Year 4 In your final placement youll build specialist skills and complete your End Point Assessment all leading to your apprenticeship qualification.

At GKN Aerospace we commit to teaching and supporting you to:

• Work safely and accurately by following engineering instructions health & safety regulations and quality procedures well guide you every step of the way.
• Build strong technical hands-on skills in a live production setting learning how to contribute to high-performance aerospace manufacturing.
• Attend college or training sessions regularly complete assignments on time and apply what you learn in the workplace with our full support.
• Keep clear records of your work track your development and review progress regularly with our apprenticeship team helping you stay on course and grow.

Perks Youll Love!

• Starting salary between 16110 to 23555 (based on age-related national minimum wage; salary increased annually on completion of agreed targets).
• A 37-hour week with a half day finish on Fridays!
• 190 hours of holiday (plus bank holidays!)
• A top-tier pension scheme we boost your savings for the future
• Life assurance and income protection because your wellbeing matters
• Much much more!