Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship; Level 2

Start date:

September 2027

Location:

Stevenage

Duration: 3 years

Closing date for applications: 30th January 2027

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!

Airbus is Europe’s number one Defence and Space enterprise, so what better way to start your Craft Apprenticeship than with an industry leader.

Being a Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop both Mechanical and Electrical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to launch your career in the fascinating world of space propulsion. As a Propulsion Manufacturing Technician Apprentice, you’ll be part of a team that builds cutting‑edge propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in a supportive and innovative environment, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of technology.

This programme is perfect for those with a passion for both mechanical and electrical precision, a knack for problem‑solving, and a keen interest in seeing their work take flight. Join us in shaping the future of space exploration!

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:
During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience our Propulsion Production area of the business which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how a Satellite is manufactured at Airbus Defence & Space.

This includes working in small teams or on a one-to-one basis to manufacture Spacecraft Propulsion systems using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.

Mechanical Assembly

• Use of various different 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 various surfaces
• Following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX

Orbital Welding

• Use our state-of-the-art Orbital Welding Machines to weld together Propulsion Systems into sub-assemblies before welding the sub-assemblies together on the full Satellite Structure.
• Learn how to bend, shape and cut both Titanium and Stainless‑Steel pipework to form the Propulsion System.

Electrical

• Learn various Electrical Techniques such as Crimping, Splicing, Soldering and Forming of Harnesses.
• 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 the 2nd year of the apprenticeship, you will attend a week of Team Building Activities and Exercises at one of the Outward‑Bound UK Sites. Split up into teams consisting of Apprentices of all levels from various Airbus Defence and Space sites, you will work as a team to complete daily activities such as Rock Climbing, Hiking, Abseiling, Canoeing and more

Year 3:
You will be fully on‑site, fine tuning your hand skills against the business skills matrix.

• Funding Eligibility:
  Applicants must be aged 16-21
  * and cannot hold a Level 2 or higher qualification (e.g., NVQ, BTEC, HND, or Degree) in Engineering, Aerospace, or related technical fields. For more information, please consult Foundation Apprenticeships Criteria *
• Education:
  
  No strict formal entry…