Craft Plant Level 3 Apprenticeship 2027 - Machining
Airbus · North West · CH4 0BZ
About the role
🚀 Craft Machining Apprentice 🚀
What's in it for you?
- 💰 Competitive starting salary of £19,185
- ⏰ 35 hours per week with flexible shift patterns (standard or double-day)
- 🏖️ 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- 📈 Pension scheme
- 🌟 Success share
- ✨ Plus a whole lot of other cool flexible benefits!
What you'll be doing:
Get ready to dive into hands-on engineering and earn qualifications while you work! As a Craft Machining Apprentice, you'll be learning the ropes on real aircraft projects. You'll also have access to our awesome Gen A support network and learning HUB – think exclusive events, extra support, and loads of opportunities for early careers folks! 🤩
This 36-month apprenticeship is designed to help you level up:
Year One:
📚 Based at Coleg Cambria, Wrexham, you'll work towards:
- NVQ L2 diploma in Performing engineering operations
- City & Guild 2850 Level 2 In Machining
- Level 2 Essential Skills
This is where you'll build the core skills to make an impact when you join the team in year two.
Years 2 & 3:
✈️ Your Learning Takes Flight at Broughton!
Based at Airbus Broughton (North Wales), you'll join our expert Machinists. You'll be involved in making wing skins, panels, and stringers for Airbus aircraft. This is where you'll apply your skills to live projects and learn on the job. Your tasks will include:
- Using various machining techniques, following instructions to complete processes, and mastering stringer machining and long bed milling. 🛠️
- Safely and efficiently loading billets, locating components, and unloading finished parts to a high standard.
You'll also attend college on day release to earn:
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering (Machining Bias Units)
- City & Guild 2850 Level 3 Machining
Upon completion, you'll be a skilled Machinist in our Large Component Manufacture (LCM) team, supporting world-class Airbus aircraft. You'll get a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate and be set up for an epic career! 🚀
What you need to bring:
- A minimum of five GCSEs including:
- Grade C or 4 in Maths (GCSE certificate only) 🔢
- Grade C or 4 in English Language (GCSE certificate only) 🗣️
- Grade CC or 44 in Double Award Science OR Grade C/4 in Single award Physics ⚛️
- Plus 2 other GCSEs at grade C or 4 (equivalent or higher qualifications, especially in practical/technical subjects like Design & Technology or Engineering, may be considered).
- Attach your CV (with predicted or achieved grades) and a cover letter telling us why you're buzzing about this role and the industry. 📝
We're looking for you if you:
- Are passionate about learning!
- Love hands-on work, teamwork, and cracking problems. 💪
- Have a CV or cover letter that shows us your practical skills or hobbies (DIY, building, fixing, tech projects, baking, crafting – we want to see it all!).
Tell us in your cover letter:
- Why Airbus? What makes you excited about our aircraft, innovation, or global impact? 🤔
- Why a hands-on apprenticeship? What draws you to learning by doing?
- Show us your practical side! Highlight any hands-on experience.
Important stuff:
- GRADES: Offers are conditional on meeting grade requirements, confirmed after results day.
- SECURITY: You'll undergo security checks (BPSS, possibly SC-level clearance).
- RIGHT TO WORK: You must have the legal right to work in the UK. (Our apprenticeships don't qualify for visa sponsorship).
AI Guidance: If you're thinking of using AI, check our guidelines: [http://airbus.com/en/careers/use-of-ai](http://airbus.com/en/careers/use-of-ai)
Need adjustments? Let us know if you need anything to make the recruitment process accessible for you! Contact us at apprentices@airbus.com.
Ready to build the future of flight? ✈️ Apply now!
Closing date for applications: 15th December 2026. Apply early to avoid missing out!
Key responsibilities
- Work towards obtaining NVQ L2 diploma in Performing engineering operations, City & Guild 2850 Level 2 In Machining, and Level 2 Essential Skills.
- Support the manufacture of wing skins, panels and stringers for various Airbus aircraft.
- Carry out various machining techniques including following bespoke set up sheet instructions, stringer machining and long bed milling practices.
- Demonstrate effective loading and locating of billets, and unloading of finished components.
- Attend college on day release, working towards gaining Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering and City & Guild 2850 Level 3 Machining.