Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprenticeship; Level 2

Job Description:

Start date:

31st August 2027

Location:

Stevenage
Duration: 3 years
College:
North Herts College (Stevenage)
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!
About Us
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 Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop Mechanical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment.
As a Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice, you'll gain hands‑on experience in a highly specialized and stimulating manufacturing environment. This is your chance to contribute to missions that will explore our solar system, protect our planet, and provide vital communication services. This role is for someone who wants to turn their passion for practical skills into a career that is literally out of this world!
You will be immersed in a supportive team of experts who will mentor you as you build components that will endure the harsh realities of space.
What you will be doing
Year 1:
You will study towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 on the materials and processing pathway, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience.
Year 2:
During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience different Production Areas 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 at a one-to‑one basis using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.
Your key activities & responsibilities will be:

• Produce high-quality aluminum composite panels according to production plans and quality standards.
• Follow standard processes, specific area requirements, and health and safety regulations.
• Promote and adhere to cleanroom regulations and 5S policy.
• Perform daily tasks including laminating, tooling, vacuum bagging, and working with various materials.

• Manufacture pipework for our Satellite Propulsion systems.
• Use of our state-of-the-art pipe bending machine
• End prepping of pipes ready for precision clean and then welding
• Use of both Titanium and Stainless-Steel pipe of various diameters

• Use precision cleaning methods
• Use of various chemicals/acids
• Handling of propulsion pipework and various other parts and components
• Bag, seal and identify pipework, parts and components for transportation to the required areas and projects

• Surface finish measurements such as friction and paint thickness
• Application of surface finishes including aerospace approved primers and paints
• Grit blasting
• Conversion coatings and protective finishes
• Masking of hardware in preparation for spraying

• Use our state-of-the-art CNC machines
• Set the machines to run their programs
• Operate the machines and make sure they run smooth without era’s

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 requirements, though a Grade 3 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English is desirable.
• Skills & Attributes:
  Strong communication, reliability, excellent work ethic, a can‑do…