Dowty Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice, 2026 intake

You will work within multiple engineering disciplines for the design and manufacture of aircraft propellers. Participants will graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Aerospace Engineering from UWE, University of the West of England. Whilst you work in collaboration with team members, we will develop and support you from day one.

About GE Aerospace

Are you ready to see your future take flight? At GE Aerospace, we are advancing aviation technologies for today and tomorrow. Your work will contribute to the production of advanced jet engines, components, and integrated systems that power commercial and military aircraft. You’ll be part of a team that embraces your drive, your curiosity, and your unique ideas and perspectives. Most importantly, you’ll share in our pride and purpose that affects the lives of millions around the world!

Dowty Propellers, part of GE Aerospace Systems based in Gloucestershire, is a leading supplier of advanced technology, composite-bladed propeller systems for a wide range of regional turboprop and military transport aircraft. As a world-leading manufacturer of integrated propeller systems, Dowty Propellers provides solutions for the propulsion systems of today and tomorrow. Key programs include the Lockheed Martin C-130J, the De-Haviland, Dash 8-400 and the Leonardo C-27J.

Our products are used in applications that range from regional airliners and military airlifters to marine hovercraft. Operated by a highly skilled workforce, Dowty Propellers’ in-house production expertise for composite blades includes application of resin transfer moulding processes, which have been continuously evolved and perfected since 1976; and the use of braiding machines that rapidly and accurately apply the blades’ fibre outer layers.

Typically, a four-year programme, the Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is an alternative to full-time University, allowing you to study for an Aerospace Engineering Degree part time at the University of The West of England (Bristol) while gaining industrial experience working directly at Dowty Propellers on a variety of aviation projects.

The BEng Hons degree structured programme aimed at gaining a variety of competencies required for a successful career in engineering. Supplemented by a variety of other development opportunities within the broader GE family, we believe this programme provides an excellent gateway into the wider world of advanced aerospace engineering.

This is a broad-based programme offering a wide range of activities to build well rounded engineers with well-developed interpersonal and team-working skills. Delivered onsite at UWE 2 to 3 days per week and once per week in years 2-4, the programme consists of:

• Enrolment in the BEng Hons Aerospace Engineering degree at the University of The West of England (Bristol)
• A series of work placements within our engineering teams to gain skills and experience working on front line projects. These typically cover mechanical design, composites design, mechanical analysis, stress analysis, aero-acoustics, controls, electronics and systems engineering and manufacturing engineering
• Support from technical and pastoral mentors from both Dowty and the university
• Numerous opportunities to participate in enrichment activities, local school’s engagement, the GE apprentice network and various external events such as the Cheltenham Science Festival, Imagineering, Go4SET, GirlsGetSET and the K'Nex Challenge

Please ensure you have achieved or are predicted these grades or above as these are the minimum requirements to join this apprenticeship. Failure to meet these grades could mean you are not eligible to join the programme.

Essential

• Minimum of 112 UCAS points via:
• 3 A-Levels at grade BBC or above (including Mathematics and another STEM-based subject e.g., Physics/Electronics/Computing or similar)
• BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering at grade DMM or above
• Equivalent qualification with appropriate Mathematics content
• Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent (we accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths)

Desired

• An understanding of our business and products, with an enthusiasm for the broader aerospace industry
• A commitment to personal development and community volunteering

As part of our recruitment process, you will be required to submit an initial CV application. After this, the stages include a video interview and assessment centre. Our recruitment team will be in touch with you at every stage to keep you updated and understand what is next in the process.

If you require any adjustments to the process to enable you to be at your best, please email the team .

Please only submit one application. If you submit multiple applications, we will progress the most suitable one. If in future you are deemed to be suitable for other opportunities, we will automatically consider you for these too.

Please note our applications will close on Sunday 2nd November but may close earlier dependant on application volumes. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice, and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE, we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs.

• Non-contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security.

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. Further, sponsorship is not available for our Early Careers opportunities.

Whether we are manufacturing components for our engines, driving innovation in fuel and noise reduction, or unlocking new opportunities to grow and deliver more productivity, our GE Aerospace teams are dedicated and making a global impact. Join us and help move the aerospace industry forward.

Relocation Assistance Provided: No