Overview
Job Description: Start date September 2026. Location: Stevenage. Duration: 3 years. Application: We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for; you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. Review all available opportunities and apply to those that best match your experience and aspirations. Apply early to avoid missing out — adverts may close once sufficient applications are received. Salary: A competitive starting salary of £18,000. 37 hours per week; up to 2 Flexi Days per month; 25 days holiday plus bank holidays; Pension; plus many more flexible benefits.
About Us: Airbus Defence and Space is Europe’s number one Defence and Space enterprise. The Craft Apprenticeship offers a chance to develop Mechanical and Electrical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment and work in a team that builds propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft. The programme is designed for those with a passion for mechanical and electrical precision, problem solving, and a keen interest in space exploration.
What you will be doing
Year 1: You will study towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 on the mechanical/electrical pathways, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience.
Year 2: In the Apprenticeship you will experience the Propulsion Production area to gain a comprehensive understanding of satellite manufacture. You will work in small teams or one-to-one to manufacture Spacecraft Propulsion systems using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.
Your key activities & responsibilities will include:
- Mechanical Assembly: Use of various adhesives and bonding methods; use of hand measuring tools to meet tight tolerances; installation of various components to satellite structures; installation of various connector brackets; bonding of heater mats, thermocouples and thermostats to surfaces; following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX.
- Orbital Welding: Use orbital welding machines to weld propulsion systems into sub-assemblies; learn to bend, shape and cut titanium and stainless-steel pipework for the propulsion system.
- Electrical: Learn techniques such as crimping, splicing, soldering and harness formation; installation of electrical components such as latch valves, pressure transducers and thrusters using end-to-end harness installation; wire and route harnesses for heater mats, thermocouples and thermostats.
During Year 2 you will attend a week of Team Building Activities at an Outward Bound UK site with apprentices from various Airbus Defence and Space locations.
Year 3: You will be fully on-site, refining your hand skills in line with the business skills matrix.
Requirements
- No strict entry requirements for college, although a Grade 3 in Maths and English would be desirable.
- Good communication, time keeping, work ethic and a can-do attitude are most important.
- Ability to work both in a team and individually; ability to follow technical instructions.
- No prior experience in propulsion is necessary; training will be provided.
Boost Your Application
Tell us about yourself beyond grades or school background in your cover letter. You may include:
- Why Airbus? What excites you about starting a career with us?
- Why a hands-on apprenticeship?
- Show your hands-on experience with practical skills (e.g., DIY projects, building and fixing things, tinkering with tech, building models, baking or cooking, etc.).
Show Us What You’ve Built: Attach photos, documents or a short video showcasing a project you’re proud of. This is optional but encouraged.
Important Information
- Government Funding: This job is offered as a government-funded Apprenticeship, subject to eligibility for Apprenticeship Levy Funding. Eligible applicants include school or college leavers; all eligible applicants are welcome to apply. We can help assess eligibility during the process.
- Security Clearance: BPSS check required; UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control may be needed depending on the role.
- Right to Work in the UK: Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme. The apprenticeship roles do not meet minimum UK Visas & Immigration sponsorship requirements for migrant workers.
- AI Guidance: We provide guidelines on the use of AI in recruitment.
- Contact: If you need adjustments to participate fully in the recruitment process, contact us at apprentices@ (email address to be provided). Information disclosed will be treated confidentially.
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Company
AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited
Employment Type: Apprenticeship
Experience Level: Student
Job Family: Support to Management
By submitting your CV or application you consent to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring related to your application or future employment. Airbus is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunities for all and supports flexible working arrangements where possible.
