Quality Engineering Apprentice

Apprenticeship Recruitment Evening

For further information about our apprenticeships we are holding an apprenticeship open evening on Tuesday 17th February 2026 from 15:30 - 20:00. The event will take place at our Global Technology Centre Taurus Rd Patchway Filton Bristol BS34 6FB.

To attend the careers eventplease register your details here You will receive a confirmation email with your 1.5 hour time slot. If you do not receive confirmation please do not attend.

The evening will give an insight into what our apprenticeships entail including the opportunity to meet current apprentices across all disciplines and get hands on with the tools & equipment used as part of the role and see for yourselves the impact GKN Aerospace has on the Aerospace industry.

You will also have the chance the meet our training teams and talent acquisition team where you can discuss your application career opportunities and what GKN Aerospace can offer you.

We look forward to seeing you and discussing the future of Aerospace!

Quality Engineering Apprentice Join Us and Shape the Future of Flight!

Location: Bristol UK
Start Date: September 2026

Ready to be part of something big As a Quality Engineering Apprentice at GKN Aerospace Bristol youll help build the future of aviation and you dont need industry experience to get started. Every day youll play a role in delivering worldclass products that keep aircraft flying safely sustainably and reliably.

At our Bristol sites we design and manufacture large complex wing structures precision metallic components and advanced systems for civil aircraft. And now were inviting you to join us on this exciting journey.

Youll earn while you learn studying toward a Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) recognised Level 4 Quality Practitioner qualification (equivalent to HNC) and a Level 5 Improvement Specialist apprenticeship (equivalent to HND). Over 48 months youll rotate across our three Bristol sites including our 32m stateoftheart Global Technology Centre to gain handson experience with real engineering challenges and cuttingedge technology.

Well teach you the tools processes and mindset used by quality professionals across the aerospace industry. With new technologies like hydrogen and electric propulsion emerging this apprenticeship gives you the chance to be on the front line of nextgeneration aerospace innovation.

What Youll Be Doing

This is your chance to explore every corner of our operations. Through a wide mix of placements across our Bristol sites youll learn how we manufacture and assemble precision aircraft structures and components; and how our quality team keeps everything performing at its best.

Years 1 & 2 Build Your Foundations

Youll develop core quality and engineering skills including how to:
Understand and apply aviation regulations standards and policies
Collect interpret and analyse data to improve production processes
Work with multi functional teams to solve real engineering challenges
Explore fabrication welding machining assembly composites testing and special processes
Identify manage and deliver quality improvement projects
Plan and carry out system process and product audits
Analyse risks and support teams in managing them
Spot performance gaps and help develop plans to close them
Assist design engineering manufacturing engineering and operations teams with quality questions and investigations

Years 3 & 4 Step Up and Lead

As your confidence grows youll move into more advanced responsibilities such as:
Leading and contributing to continuous improvement projects
Creating project plans and presenting them for review
Coaching and supporting others in using quality tools
Mapping and analysing processes and value streams
Studying process capability and performance
Using data to build predictive models
Working with suppliers to improve their processes and reduce quality issues
Supporting both steady state and new product introduction teams
Collaborating with leadership to shape strategy and share improvements across the business

By the end of your apprenticeship you could progress into roles such as Product Assurance Engineer or Supply Chain Quality Engineer with potential to grow into future leadership positions.

What Youll Bring

You dont need to be an expert just curious motivated and ready to learn. Were looking for people with a passion for aerospace and engineering plus the following:

Essential

At least four GCSEs including English Maths and Science Grade 4 or above
Fluent English communication (verbal and written)
A passion for problem solving you enjoy digging into challenges exploring why things work the way they do and finding smarter ways to make them better.

A curious questioning mindset you like thinking things through connecting the dots and tackling complex ideas with confidence.

A desire to grow your critical thinking skills and use them in real engineering situations.

Desirable

Clear and confident communication skills you enjoy sharing ideas collaborating with others and building positive working relationships.

Experience working on projects or in environments where youve had to organise tasks solve problems or keep things on track.

A levels or equivalent in STEM subjects great if you have them but not essential.

Early exposure to quality work or highly regulated industries (like aviation automotive or medical) even at entry level such as work experience is a bonus but not required.

If youre enthusiastic eager to learn and ready to get involved well help you build the rest.

Perks Youll Love

When you join us youre stepping into a fouryear programme designed to grow your skills confidence and future. Heres what you can look forward to:

• 4year fixedterm contract
• Level 4 Quality Practitioner apprenticeship certification recognised by the CQI
• Level 5 Improvement Specialist apprenticeship certification
• Industryrecognised training in aerospace standards tools and processes
• A Competitive Salary of 19506
• Half day finish on Fridays!
• 25 days of holiday (plus bank holidays!) to recharge and relax
• Discounts on your favourite shops and brands
• A top-tier pension scheme we boost your savings for the future
• Life assurance and income protection because your wellbeing matters
• Access to a 24/7 support programme if you ever need to talk
• Virtual GP appointments for you and your close family

Youll also gain access to huge opportunities within our global network. Once youre part of GKN Aerospace your career could take you places you never expected and well be here to support your growth every step of the way.

To find out more about apprenticeships at GKN and hear from our apprentices click here Apprentices - GKN Careers