Operational Leadership 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 leadership and manufacturing 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 Team Leader Apprenticeship Standard and progressing to the Level 5 Departmental Manager 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 leadership role youll be part of a team delivering the future managing a team to deliver excellence in all areas of their work dont worry well teach you how! You will gain real transferable skills that matter from leading and developing a team on the shopfloor to creating a culture of continuous improvement. Your work helps aircraft take flight its exciting and open to everyone. If you enjoy leading teams 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 one of the following qualifications:

• 3 x A-Levels
• 1 x T-Level
• Level 3 Diploma

In addition to the above the following GCSEs are required:

• Maths: Grade 6 or above
• English: Grade 6 or above

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

Job Qualifications

• Years 1 & 2 All about getting you ready to hit the ground running throughout different operational areas in the business. Youll build the core skills knowledge and confidence you need to complete the Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship with the right mix of learning support and hands-on.

• Year 3 Youll continue to rotate through different operational areas of the business gaining hands-on leadership experience and expanding your knowledge. Youll have regular check-ins with our 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 Level 5 Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.

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.
• 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!