Apprentice - Licensed Aircraft Engineer

• Programme:
  Licensed Aircraft Engineer Apprenticeship
• Pathway:
  Four-year apprenticeship, followed by Type Authorisation development in years 5-7+
• Locations:
  Cardiff Airport, Wales
• Salary: £17,339
• Applications close: 19 th November 2026
• Programme starts:
  September 2027

Every day is different in Aircraft Maintenance. One shift you could be carrying out complex maintenance on a long-haul aircraft preparing for its next international journey, and the next you could be troubleshooting a technical issue alongside experienced engineers to help keep our operation running safely and reliably.

As a British Airways Engineering apprentice, you will work on world-class aircraft in a fast-paced operational environment where safety, teamwork and technical excellence are at the heart of everything we do. From your first days on the programme, you'll gain hands-on experience in hangars and maintenance facilities, learning from skilled engineers who will support your development as you build the knowledge and practical experience needed to become a future licensed aircraft engineer.

You’ll be part of a team that plays a critical role in connecting millions of customers with destinations across the globe. Whether supporting overnight maintenance, major aircraft checks or the introduction of new technology, you’ll see first-hand how your work helps keep our fleet flying and our customers moving.

This is more than an apprenticeship. It’s the start of a career where you can develop specialist engineering skills, work on some of the most advanced aircraft in the world and build a future with one of the world’s most recognised airlines.

At BAEW, BAEG and BAMG, we are building one consistent, cross-site apprenticeship pathway to develop the next generation of licensed aircraft engineers. Whichever site you join, you will follow the same core programme, aligned to CAA Part-66 licensing requirements, with a structured route through the apprenticeship and onward development towards a B licence and Type Approval.

The formal apprenticeship runs for four years. During this time, you will combine college or classroom learning with practical shopfloor experience, build your engineering knowledge and complete recognised technical and vocational qualifications. Subject to successful completion and continued progression, years 5,6 and 7+ focus on completing the licensing and aircraft type approval pathway.

• Year 1:
  Full-time college learning, supported by an introduction to the shopfloor.
• Years 2-3: A combination of day release and practical on-site experience.
• Years 4:
  Further workplace development, building the skills and experience needed to complete the apprenticeship.
• Years 5-7+:
  Continued development towards a B license and aircraft Type Approval.

• Year 1:
  Monday to Friday, 7.5 hours per day.
• Years 2 to 7+: shopfloor placements are based on a 4-on / 4-off pattern at 10.7 hours per day.
• Working arrangements may vary during college, classroom, type-course or other formal learning periods.

You will be dedicated to building a long-term career in aircraft engineering and committed to pushing yourself to achieve high standards and strive for excellence. You will bring energy, curiosity and a genuine desire to learn, taking ownership of your development and making the most of every opportunity offered through the programme. You will be safety-conscious, dependable and comfortable working in a practical, operational environment where quality, attention to detail and teamwork are essential.

You will also be willing to receive feedback, learn from challenges and continuously improve as you develop the knowledge,…