Job Description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of 3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
What You'll Be Doing
Join Us as an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice
Location: Global Technology Centre, Bristol
Start Date: September 2026
Are you curious, ambitious, and ready to take your first step into the world of aerospace engineering? This is your chance to earn a degree, gain hands-on experience, and help shape the next generation of aerospace technology - all while getting paid.
We're looking for creative problem-solvers, big thinkers, and team players from every background to join our Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. You'll mix university study with real-world engineering, working alongside experts who are designing and building the technologies that will power a greener, more connected world.
As a Degree Apprentice, you'll:

• Rotate through specialist teams across Airframe, Design & Stress, Systems Integration, Quality, Support Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing.
• Be involved in the full lifecycle of aerospace systems and products - from design and development, to testing, qualification, and in-service support.
• Learn how to read and interpret engineering drawings, reports, and computer-generated models.
• Collaborate with engineers from across multiple disciplines.
• Develop problem-solving skills to design, test, validate, and improve engineering solutions.
• Spend your first year at Weston College working towards your Level 2 qualification, before moving on site in Bristol from Year 2, where you'll progress through your Level 4 and Level 6 qualifications.
• Contribute to STEM outreach and community projects - because engineering isn't just about technology, it's about people too.

What You'll Learn
You'll gain knowledge and skills in:

• Aerospace systems, aeronautical sciences, and material sciences.
• Engineering processes and practices (mechanical, electrical, electronic systems).
• Analytical methods and engineering mathematics.
• Regulatory, environmental, and quality standards.
• Real-world engineering skills such as planning, testing, inspection, production, and lifecycle management.
• The importance of sustainability, safety, and teamwork in real projects.

What You'll Bring
You'll typically need:

• 96 UCAS points (A-Level or equivalent), ideally including two STEM subjects such as Maths, Physics, Computing, or Electronics.
• Five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English, and Double Science (or equivalent).
• If you don't already have Level 2 English and Maths, you'll need to achieve this before the end of your apprenticeship.
• We also welcome applications from those with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs), where minimum Entry Level 3 in English and Maths is required.

Who We're Looking For
You'll thrive in this role if you bring:

• A genuine interest in engineering, problem-solving, and innovation.
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to take ownership of your work.
• Curiosity, proactivity, and a strong eagerness to learn.
• Motivation to work towards becoming a professional Associate Engineer.

What We'll Offer
At the heart of everything we do are our five culture principles: Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, and Ownership. Safety always comes first, but so does your growth, wellbeing, and future. Here's what you can look forward to when you join us:

• Earn while you learn - a competitive salary with no student debt.
• Gain a degree in Aerospace Engineering while working on live projects.
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and leaders.
• Access world-class training and career opportunities.
• Make a real impact in shaping the future of sustainable aviation.
• Support with sourcing student accommodation in your first year if required.
• A pathway to a permanent role at the end of the programme.

What To Expect In The Selection Process
Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:

• Apply online with a simple form, including a few pre-screening questions.
• Take part in an online assessment if you meet the criteria.
• Meet one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human!) for a virtual interview.
• Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol where you'll get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
• Begin your journey with us in September 2026.

Ready to launch your career in aerospace?
This is more than an apprenticeship. It's your chance to launch a career, make an impact, and join a diverse, supportive community that believes in you.
Apply today and take your place in an industry that's flying towards the future.
We'll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It's a culture that won us 'The Best Workplace Culture Award'. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ?
?

Skills Required