Panels Manufacturing Technician Level 2 Apprenticeship 2027
Airbus · East Of England · SG12AS
About the role
Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice 🚀
Ready to launch your career into orbit? 🌌 Airbus Defence & Space is looking for bright minds to join our Craft Apprenticeship programme as a Panels Manufacturing Technician!
What You'll Be Doing:
- Year 1: Dive into a Level 2 Engineering Operative qualification. Get hands-on experience and build solid engineering knowledge. 🛠️
- Year 2: Explore different production areas and see how we build amazing satellites! 🛰️ You'll be part of teams crafting Spacecraft Panels, doing Mirror Bonding, and applying Treatments using cutting-edge tech. Plus, get ready for an epic week of Team Building adventures with outdoor challenges like rock climbing and canoeing! 🧗♀️🛶
- Year 3: Become a fully-fledged team member, mastering your craft and hitting business skill targets.
Your Key Mission (Responsibilities):
- Panel Assembly: Putting together vital components using advanced adhesives, precise measuring tools, and following strict drawings.
- Final Assembly: Installing panel features like studs, brackets, and even heat pipes with mind-blowing accuracy (we're talking 0.15mm!). 🎯
- Mirror Bonding: Carefully attaching mirrors using special adhesives.
- Treatments: Measuring and applying protective finishes, including primers and paints, and even doing some grit blasting. ✨
Who We're Looking For:
- Age: 16-21* (Eligibility criteria apply, check the link for more deets!)
- Education: No strict entry requirements, but a Grade 3 in GCSE Maths & English is a bonus! 💯
- Skills & Vibes: You're a great communicator, super reliable, have a killer work ethic, a "can-do" attitude, and can follow instructions like a pro. You're happy working solo or as part of a team.
- Experience: None required! We'll train you from the ground up. 🙌
The Fine Print (Important Stuff):
- Joint-Venture: This role is part of a major European space player's project.
- Funding: This is a government-funded Level 2 Apprenticeship.
- Security: You'll need to pass a BPSS check, and potentially UK SC-level Security Clearance. 🔒
- Work Rights: You must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Why Airbus?
Join Europe's leading Defence and Space enterprise! 🚀 You’ll develop incredible mechanical skills working on complex satellite panels that go on missions to explore our solar system and beyond! It's a chance to turn your passion for building things into a career that’s literally out of this world. You'll be mentored by experts in a supportive environment.
Ready to Apply?
We can't wait to see your application! Show us your passion for practical skills. In your cover letter, tell us why Airbus and why a hands-on apprenticeship. If you have any cool DIY projects, building or fixing experiences, or even baking successes, include them in your CV or cover letter – photos or videos are a bonus! 📸
Closing Date: 30th January 2027. Apply early to avoid missing out!
Got Questions? Reach out to apprentices@airbus.com. We're committed to making the recruitment process accessible for everyone.
Key responsibilities
- Panel Assembly
- Final Assembly
- Mirror bonding
- Treatments
- Following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX