Quality Engineering Apprentice

Overview

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.

With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn. in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Location: Luton, UK Start Date: September 2026

Join Us and Shape the Future of Flight!

Ready to be part of something incredible? As a Quality Engineering Apprentice at our GKN Aerospace Luton site, you’ll join a team that designs and manufactures some of the most advanced aerospace components in the world. From flight deck windows and wing de‑icing systems for civil aircraft to canopies and specialist system components for fighter jets
, the work you’ll be part of truly helps aircraft take to the skies safely and reliably.

You’ll earn while you learn, studying for a Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) recognised Level 4 Quality Practitioner qualification (equivalent to HNC), followed by a Level 5 Improvement Specialist apprenticeship (equivalent to HND). Over the 48‑month programme, you’ll rotate through different functions across the Luton site, gaining hands‑on experience and building a strong foundation in the tools, processes, and ways of thinking used by quality engineers across the aerospace industry.

With aerospace technology evolving fast, from new materials to smarter, more efficient systems. This apprenticeship puts you in the middle of a dynamic and forward‑looking industry. You’ll gain the skills and experience to help us deliver high‑quality products for both civil and military aircraft, while building a strong foundation for your future career.

Across a wide variety of placements at our Luton site, you’ll learn how we manufacture and assemble precision aircraft systems and components; and how our quality team keeps everything performing at its best.

Years 1 & 2 — Build Your Foundations

You’ll develop core quality and engineering skills, including how to:

• Understanding and applying aviation regulations, standards, and policies
• Collecting, interpreting, and analysing data to improve production processes
• Working with multi‑functional teams to problem‑solve engineering challenges
• Gaining exposure to manufacturing, assembly, testing, and other specialist aerospace processes
• Learning how to identify, manage, and deliver quality improvement projects
• Planning and carrying out system, process, and product audits
• Analysing risks and learning how to mitigate them
• Spotting gaps in process performance and helping develop improvement plans
• Supporting design engineering, manufacturing engineering, and operations teams with quality‑related queries and investigations

Years 3 & 4 — Step Up and Lead

As your confidence grows, you’ll move into more advanced responsibilities, such as:

• Leading and contributing to continuous improvement projects
• Building project plans and presenting them for review
• Coaching and supporting others in using quality tools
• Mapping and analysing processes and value streams
• Studying process capability and evaluating performance
• Creating predictive data models
• Working with suppliers to develop their processes and reduce quality issues
• Assuring quality for both steady‑state and new product introduction activities
• Supporting leadership in defining strategy, preparing resources, and communicating improvements across the business

On completion, you could progress into roles such as Product Assurance Engineer or Supplier Quality Engineer
, with opportunities to grow into future leadership positions.

We’re looking for someone who’s curious, motivated, and excited by the challenge of solving real engineering problems. You don’t need experience — just enthusiasm and the drive to…