Apprentice - Avionics & Components

Salary: From £14,000

Location:Cardiff Airport

Final date to receive applications
: 19th November 2026

Start Date: August 2027

Are you ready to build the foundations of an engineering career that’s second to none? At British Airways Engineering Wales, we are inviting driven, hands-on and ambitious individuals to join our Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop Apprenticeship. This is your chance to learn how aircraft really work - from lighting to navigation, radio, radar, and safety systems - all underpinned by high-quality workmanship and engineering integrity.

Our avionic component maintenance facility is a high-spec, modern workshop where engineers maintain, repair and overhaul critical aircraft components - from flight-deck instruments and radios, to motors, actuators, wiring looms, lighting systems and more. We also maintain and calibrate the specialist tooling and test systems that ensure these components meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

Safety, reliability and quality are at the heart of what we do, and we continuously innovate to make systems better.

As an Apprentice in our Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop, you’ll:

• Rotate through different workshop environments: mechanical, electrical/electronic, avionics and systems maintenance.

• Work hands-on with components such as navigation, flight deck, radio & radar modules; lighting; motors and actuators; wiring looms; aircraft safety systems.

• Learn to diagnose faults using modern diagnostics and test equipment.

• Carry out component strip-downs, repairs, rebuilds and testing.

• Engage with mechanical systems (e.g. actuators, motors) alongside electrical/electronic systems.

• Support the maintenance and calibration of critical aircraft tooling and test systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with aviation standards.

• Understand and apply rigorous safety, regulatory and quality standards.

• Year 1: Full-time enhanced engineering programme at Coleg y Cymoedd (Nantgarw Campus). You'll work towards a technical certificate alongside an NVQ practical qualification, giving you a strong engineering foundation.

• Years 2 & 3: Based at BAEW, you'll work hands-on with our expert teams while continuing your NVQ. You’ll rotate through the different workshop departments, gaining insight into aircraft component repair & overhaul, as well as the calibration and upkeep of essential test equipment and tooling.

• Career Progression: After successfully completing your NVQ and demonstrating strong performance, you’ll have the opportunity to progress through our internal pathways into a skilled engineering role - with support, training and development to help you grow your career within British Airways Engineering.

You're a motivated team player who thrives in a practical, dynamic environment. You'll need:

• 5 GCSEs (A*–C / 9–4), including at least a C (4) in Maths, and C (4) or above in English Language and Science;

• Or a Level 2 Engineering qualification (with Maths and Science at Distinction level).

• Over 16 and resident in the UK

• Right to live and work in the UK

• Available to work a standard day shift pattern (06:30 - 14:30)

• We highly recommend that candidates are able to drive or are learning to drive due to limited public transport links

Looking to join our apprenticeship scheme? You won't be disappointed.

We have many benefits for apprentices at British Airways and here are a handful to showcase the diversity of our apprentice community:

• Increase in salary after you have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, if completed in line with your development objectives

• British Airways Engineering Wales uniform from year one to show you are part of the British Airways family…