Aerospace Engineering Apprentice - Level 3

Overview

At Expleo UK, this apprenticeship gives you the chance to build real engineering experience from day one, while working towards a recognised Level 3 aircraft engineering pathway with Coleg Cambria.
Based from our Chester / Saltney office, you will support live aerospace programmes and gain experience across more than one engineering route. This may include Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality and technical engineering support activities,
depending on business requirements and placement opportunities.
This is a hands-on route into aerospace. You do not need prior aerospace experience - what matters most is curiosity, reliability, a practical mindset and a genuine interest in how aircraft are built, improved, repaired and delivered safely.

What's in It for You?

Paid work while you learn
A structured Level 3 apprenticeship with Coleg Cambria, Deeside Campus
A first-year foundation focused on practical aircraft engineering skills and core technical knowledge
Exposure to real aerospace engineering programmes at Expleo
The opportunity to build skills across aircraft assembly, manufacturing, design, quality, engineering data and technical problem solving
Support from experienced engineers, mentors and the Early Careers team
Progression opportunities across aerospace engineering disciplines, including Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality and Engineering Support functions

Responsibilities

As an Aerospace Engineering Apprentice, you will gradually learn how engineering supports aircraft programmes from concept through to build, repair, improvement and delivery.
Supporting aerospace engineering teams on live aircraft programmes
Learning how engineering drawings, specifications, technical data and manufacturing information are used in practice
Supporting Manufacturing Engineering activities linked to aircraft assembly, production support and process improvement
Supporting Design Engineering or technical engineering support activity where project needs require it
Contributing to quality checks, evidence gathering, airworthiness awareness and problem solving activity
Helping teams investigate technical issues and identify practical improvements to products, processes or ways of working
Developing understanding of aircraft manufacturing processes, structures, systems and standards
Working with mentors and experienced engineers to apply your college learning in the workplace
Building professional behaviours including teamwork, communication, reliability and attention to detail
You will not be expected to know everything from day one. This programme is designed to help you learn, ask questions and build confidence over time.What Your Apprenticeship Will Look Like

The apprenticeship is designed to give you a broad aircraft engineering foundation first, before you build deeper workplace experience with Expleo in Years 2 and 3.

Year 1 - Foundation & Practical Skills
Your first year will focus on practical engineering operations and core aircraft engineering knowledge through Coleg Cambria. This is designed to help you build confidence, safety behaviours and the technical basics needed for aerospace work.
You can expect to develop knowledge and practical skills in areas such as:
Health and Safety, working efficiently and communicating technical information
Aircraft detail assembly, mechanical fasteners and aircraft component assembly
Engineering maths, aircraft materials and human factors
Aircraft systems, theory of flight and aircraft electrical systems
Workshop routines, measurement, tools and safe practical working
Years 2 and 3 - Applied Aerospace Engineering
As your knowledge develops, you will spend increasing time supporting Expleo aerospace programmes while continuing structured learning with Coleg Cambria.
Your workplace experience may follow different routes depending on business needs and project opportunities. This could include Manufacturing Engineering activity, design-related engineering support, quality and airworthiness work, technical investigations, aircraft systems, structures, repair or continuous improvement projects.
The aim is to give you a strong aerospace engineering foundation while allowing flexibility to support both manufacturing-focused and engineering-support-focused pathways. What You'll Learn

Aircraft engineering fundamentals
Practical workshop, aircraft assembly and manufacturing skills
Engineering drawings, technical information and engineering data
Aircraft materials, systems, structures and electrical principles
Quality, safety, airworthiness and human factors awareness
Advanced manufacturing awareness, including composites, aircraft construction and repair,and industrial robotics
Technical problem solving and continuous improvement
Teamwork, communication and professional engineering behaviours
Depending on business requirements and placement exposure, you may also gain insight into areas such as Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, quality, technical investigations, engineering support, concessions or wider aerospace programme delivery.

Qualifications

GCSEs, or equivalent, including Maths and English level 5
A science, engineering, technology, design or practical subject would be highly desirable
You will also need to be committed to completing the Level 3 apprenticeship with Coleg Cambria and attending the required college-based training.

Essential skills

Curious and keen to understand how aircraft and engineering systems work
Practical problem-solvers who enjoy hands-on learning
Reliable, committed and willing to learn
Able to work well as part of a team
Comfortable asking questions and taking feedback
Interested in engineering, manufacturing, aircraft, design, technology or technical subjects
Able to show attention to detail and pride in doing things properly

Experience

Taken engineering, design, technology, science or manufacturing-related subjects at school or college
Completed any practical project work, either at school, college or in your own time
Experience of making, fixing, building or improving things
An interest in aircraft, aerospace, manufacturing, design, technology or quality
Any previous work experience, volunteering or part-time work that shows reliability and commitment

What do I need before I apply

This role requires the legal right to work in the UK.
Due to the nature of our work, you may also need to be eligible to obtain security clearance in the future.

Benefits

Structured training and development
Support from experienced engineers and mentors
Practical workplace experience on real aerospace programmes
Early Careers support throughout your apprenticeship
A collaborative team environment
Career development opportunities after successful completion
Benefits include 25 days annual leave, gym flex membership, maternity and paternity pay, and access to Expleo's wider learning and development opportunities