Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Craft Apprenticeship

SHORTS BROTHERS PLC (Spirit Aero)
Belfast
6 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Mechanical Technician

Mechanical Technician

Senior Dry Dock Marine Engineer

Commissioning Manager

Tig Welder

SPIRIT APPRENTICE ACADEMY 2025 CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP Flight begins with you. Develop your skills and acquire valuable experience in a fast-paced, challenging and results-driven global organisation. Why not join our Engineering Apprenticeship program in Belfast commencing in September 2025! Combining study with on-the-job learning, our program offers exciting opportunities and provides the foundation for a career in aeronautical engineering. If you are hardworking, passionate, and ambitious, we want to hear from you. At Spirit, we dont just build aircraft structures we build the future of aviation. At Northern Irelands largest aerospace manufacturer, our highly skilled professionals work at the cutting edge of design, manufacturing, integration and after-market support. With world-class facilities spanning over 3 million square feet across six locations, we deliver advanced aerostructures including wings, fuselages, and engine nacelles for global leaders like Bombardier, Airbus and Rolls-Royce. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our Belfast operation is a recognised center of excellence for advanced materials and ultra-light structures, including our unique composites capabilities. Joining Spirit AeroSystems means being part of an industry leader that values talent, fosters innovation, and offers exceptional career growth. These exciting opportunities within our team are based in Belfast Northern Ireland, and offer: Standard 36 hour working week Generous holidays Professional development and growth Successful candidates will enter the program as craft trainees and work towards attaining Aeronautical Engineering Framework NVQ Level 3 and City and Guilds qualifications. To be eligible for consideration, you must possess, the following minimum qualifications by 31st August 2025. Qualification Requirements Four GCSE passes in the following subjects: Mathematics* minimum Grade C English Language minimum Grade C Science or a Technology based subject minimum Grade C Any other subject minimum Grade CPreference may be given to candidates with a minimum Grade B or Cin Math. Essential Skills, Key Skills or City & Guilds, at the appropriate level, will also be considered as acceptable equivalents. Applicants should be aware that the selection of successful candidates will be made in accordance with the eligibility criteria for the funding of the Apprenticeships NI 2021 program, as set out by the Department for the Economy. The selection process may include online aptitude tests and an interview. Please note the primary means of communication will be email (please remember to check your Spam folder). Completed applications must be submitted by Friday 28th of February 2025 Spirit will be holding an information session for applicants and Parents/Guardians. Please use the link below to register your interest at our careers page. The company employs people from all sections of the community and is committed to the appointment of the best candidate based upon the merit principle alone. In pursuit of our equal opportunities program, we would particularly welcome more applications from Catholics and females, as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

The Future of Space Sector Jobs: Careers That Don’t Exist Yet

The space sector is experiencing a dramatic transformation. Once dominated by government agencies such as NASA, ESA, and the Russian Space Agency, space has become a global commercial marketplace. Start-ups, private investors, and international partnerships are fuelling a new “space race” that is not only about exploration but also about economic growth, defence, climate science, and connectivity. The global space economy was valued at over $500 billion in 2023, with forecasts predicting it could surpass $1 trillion by 2040. The UK has its own ambitious target: capturing 10% of the global market by 2030, representing an industry worth £40 billion annually and supporting more than 100,000 jobs. UK contributions to the sector already include: Satellite leadership: Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) pioneered small satellites. Telecommunications: Inmarsat and OneWeb are global leaders in satellite connectivity. Launch capacity: Spaceport Cornwall and proposed Scottish spaceports place the UK on the map for satellite launches. Science & exploration: British scientists have contributed to missions like Mars Rovers and the James Webb Space Telescope. But the future of space goes far beyond satellites and rockets. As space technology converges with AI, robotics, quantum computing, materials science, and biotechnology, entirely new careers are emerging. Many of the most impactful space jobs of the next 20 years don’t exist yet. This article explores: Why new space jobs are inevitable The future careers most likely to appear How today’s roles will evolve Why the UK is uniquely positioned to lead How professionals can prepare now

Seasonal Hiring Peaks for Space Industry Jobs: The Best Months to Apply & Why

The UK's space industry has emerged as one of Europe's most strategically vital and technologically advanced sectors, with roles spanning from junior satellite engineers to principal spacecraft scientists and heads of space systems development. With space positions commanding salaries from £32,000 for graduate aerospace engineers to £135,000+ for senior space systems architects, understanding when organisations actively recruit can dramatically accelerate your career progression in this extraordinary and rapidly evolving field. Unlike traditional aerospace roles, space industry hiring follows distinct patterns influenced by launch windows, government space initiatives, and satellite constellation deployment schedules. The sector's unique combination of advanced aerospace engineering, orbital mechanics, and space systems integration creates predictable hiring windows that strategic professionals can leverage to advance their careers in building tomorrow's spacecraft and satellite technologies. This comprehensive guide explores the optimal timing for space industry job applications in the UK, examining how national space strategies, academic research cycles, and space technology initiatives influence recruitment patterns, and why strategic timing can determine whether you join a cutting-edge space development team or miss the opportunity to develop the next generation of satellites and space exploration systems.

Pre-Employment Checks for UK Space Jobs Jobs: DBS, References & Right-to-Work and more Explained

The space industry represents one of the most strategically significant and technologically advanced sectors in modern aerospace, with space professionals playing crucial roles in developing satellite systems, advancing space exploration technologies, and transforming applications from Earth observation and telecommunications to space manufacturing and planetary exploration. As the space sector experiences unprecedented growth through commercial space ventures and national space programmes, pre-employment screening processes have become increasingly sophisticated and security-focused. Space careers span diverse environments from satellite manufacturers and launch service providers to space agencies, Earth observation companies, and emerging space tourism operators. Each sector brings unique screening requirements reflecting the strategic sensitivity of space technologies, the mission-critical nature of space systems, and the critical importance of maintaining both national security standards and operational reliability. Understanding space industry pre-employment screening helps professionals navigate career opportunities effectively whilst enabling employers to identify candidates capable of contributing to space innovation whilst maintaining appropriate security standards, mission assurance protocols, and technical excellence. The screening processes examine not only technical space competencies but also security clearance eligibility, systems engineering capabilities, and ability to work effectively within the highly regulated space ecosystem. This comprehensive guide examines the full spectrum of pre-employment screening practices across space careers, from basic right-to-work verification through enhanced security clearance processes, technical competency assessment, and industry-specific requirements. Whether pursuing opportunities in satellite engineering, launch systems development, space science research, or space operations management, understanding these screening processes enables space professionals to prepare effectively and advance their careers successfully. The space sector's unique combination of cutting-edge technology, mission-critical reliability, and strategic importance creates screening requirements that reflect both the technical demands of space systems engineering and the security considerations of nationally strategic technologies. These processes ultimately support the continued advancement of the space industry by ensuring high professional standards and technical competence necessary for successful space missions and responsible space technology development.