Space Manufacturing Engineering Higher Technical Apprenticeship
Airbus · South East · PO3 5PU
About the role
🚀 Launch Your Career with Airbus! 🚀
📅 Application Closing Date: 4 January 2027 (Apply Early! ⏳)
Are you ready to join the biggest space company in Europe and a major player in the UK's growing space sector? ✨ Airbus Defence and Space in Portsmouth is where the magic happens – we design, build, and test satellites that monitor climate change, keep the world connected, and even power your favourite TV shows! 🛰️
Imagine working in one of the largest clean-rooms in the space sector, integrating hardware onto payloads or developing cutting-edge electronic equipment for space… and then watching it launch! 🌌 This isn't just a job; it's a launchpad for an incredible career.
We're not just about space! We also build satellite terminals that keep ships and crews connected across oceans. 🚢 So, you could help connect people literally everywhere – from sea to sky. 🌍
Whether you're into tech, space, creativity, or just want to work on something that actually matters, this Level 4 Higher Technical Apprenticeship could be for you! Come and be part of a team that's shaping the future.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Dive into a stimulating design and manufacturing environment, developing both mechanical and electrical skills.
- Study towards an HNC in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, with potential for an HND.
- Gain academic knowledge and practical experience on this exciting apprenticeship.
- Learn how satellites are built, from start to finish. 🛠️
- Work on satellites in some of the UK's largest space industry clean-rooms.
- Run essential tests (vibration, shock, thermal, EMC) in our state-of-the-art environmental test facilities.
- Support the design and integration of satellite payloads.
- Help our manufacturing teams assemble and test world-leading electronic hardware.
Your Apprenticeship Journey (4 Years):
- Year 1: 40% studying at Havant and Southdowns College, 60% hands-on experience in our Early Careers Centre (the UK Space Sector's largest dedicated area!).
- Years 2, 3 & 4: 20% studying, 80% on placement rotations across different business areas.
- Year 4: Complete your End Point Assessment and secure your permanent role as a full-time employee! 🎉
You'll be part of a supportive cohort of 6 apprentices, working together, tackling projects, and enjoying team events (including an Outward Bound week! 🏞️).
Post-Apprenticeship Opportunities:
Over 95% of our apprentices secure permanent roles! Many senior leaders and managers started as apprentices, and we support further education. 📈 With our global presence, international travel opportunities may arise. ✈️
Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Grade 5/6 (B) in Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
- Passion for engineering demonstrated through your education or hobbies (e.g., engineering clubs, fixing things).
- Submit your CV stating grades (predicted or achieved).
- Submit a compelling Cover Letter explaining your motivations – we *really* want to feel your passion and enthusiasm! 🥰
Boost Your Application:
In your Cover Letter, tell us:
- Why Airbus and this Apprenticeship? What excites you about our company, values, and the future of space?
- What skills & experience do you bring? Highlight projects, hobbies, or academic work that show your practical abilities.
Important Info:
- Offer is conditional on achieving required grades.
- BPSS security clearance is required; SC-level clearance may also be needed.
- Must have legal authorisation to work in the UK for the full duration. 🇬🇧
- Must be eligible for levy funding.
- *Please note: These roles are not eligible for visa sponsorship.*
We encourage you to read our guidelines on AI use in recruitment. 🤖
Need Adjustments? Please contact us at apprentices@airbus.com for any accessibility needs during the recruitment process. All information is confidential.
This role requires integrity and awareness of compliance risks.
Ready to apply? Click the button! 👇 Don't wait – apply early!
Key responsibilities
- See and understand how a satellite is built
- Work on satellites in some of the UK's largest space industry cleanrooms
- Run vibration, shock, thermal and EMC tests in the Environmental test facilities on site
- Support the design of the payloads integration
- Help the manufacturing teams assemble and test world leading electronic hardware