Operations Apprentice
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Company: GKN AEROSPACE SERVICES LIMITED
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Location: Bristol, BS35 4GG
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: £15,028.73 per year
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Sector: Engineering and manufacturing
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Ref: NAS-2000019183
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Application Deadline Date: 27/03/2026
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Start Date: 01/09/2026
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Positions Available: 8
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Working Week: Monday to Friday, 07:30 - 15:30
Brief Description
In this hands-on role, you’ll be part of a team delivering the future - building parts, testing systems, and working with powerful tech and tools - don’t worry, we’ll teach you how! You will gain real transferable skills that matter, from operating advanced machines to turning complex ideas into reality.
Training to be Provided
Aerospace Engineering Technician Level 3.
- Year 1 - is all about getting you ready to hit the ground running. You’ll 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. You'll split your time working offsite at Weston college completing your foundation training as well as working onsite
- Years 2 & 3 - You’ll rotate through different areas of the business, gaining hands-on experience and expanding your knowledge along the way. You’ll have regular check-ins with your GKN training advisor to track your progress, all while continuing your college studies one day a week
- Year 4 - In your final placement, you’ll focus on your final department, build specialist skills, and complete your final assessments - all leading to your apprenticeship qualification
Future Prospects
Skilled Aircraft Fitter, Machinist or Maintenance Technician.
Vacancy Detail
We offer two exciting pathways: Fitter and Machinist, each with its own focus and opportunities.
- Fitter - Fitters put together components & sub-assemblies that go into the aircraft on our customers’ final assembly lines. Fitters work to manufacturing & engineering instructions/drawings & will use skills including drilling, reaming & countersinking; Riveting & bolting; Using automated/robotic drilling equipment; Functional testing of mechanical systems
- Machinist - Our Integrated Machining Facility at Western Approach focuses on the manufacture of composite wing spars. Skills/knowledge developed will include operating 3, 4 & 5 axis CNC Milling machine tools; Operating co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM), conventional & digital measuring equipment; Understanding processes, procedures & engineering drawings
Programme Structure:
- Year 1 - is all about getting you ready to hit the ground running. You’ll 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. You'll split your time working offsite at college completing your foundation training as well as working onsite
- Years 2 & 3 - You’ll rotate through different areas of the business, gaining hands-on experience and expanding your knowledge along the way. You’ll have regular check-ins with your GKN training advisor to track your progress, all while continuing your college studies one day a week
- Year 4 - In your final placement, you’ll focus on your final department, build specialist skills, and complete your final assessments - all leading to your apprenticeship qualification