Manufacturing Technician Craft Level 2 Apprenticeship 2027 - Stevenage

About the role

Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice 🚀🛰️

Ready to launch your career into the cosmos? Airbus Defence & Space is on the hunt for motivated individuals to join our elite Craft Apprenticeship program! If you're passionate about making things and eager to learn, this is your launchpad to a future in aerospace manufacturing. 🌌

What You'll Be Doing:

• Year 1: Dive headfirst into a Level 2 Engineering Operative apprenticeship, mastering both theory and hands-on skills in materials and processing. 🛠️
• Year 2: Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how we build satellites! You'll work in dynamic teams, using cutting-edge tech and approved processes to craft components for our incredible space missions. Think laminating, pipe bending with titanium and stainless steel, precision cleaning, surface treatments, and operating state-of-the-art CNC machines. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire satellite manufacturing journey. 🧑‍🚀
• Year 3: You'll be fully immersed on-site, honing your craft and mastering essential business skills as you become a qualified Manufacturing Technician. 💪

What We're Looking For:

• Age: 16-21 (with some flexibility depending on qualifications - check our criteria!)
• Education: While no strict formal entry is required, a Grade 3 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English is a plus.
• Skills: You're a natural communicator, reliable, have a stellar work ethic, and a "can-do" attitude. You can follow instructions precisely and thrive both independently and as part of a team. No experience? No problem! We'll train you from scratch. ✨
• Funding Eligibility: You must not hold a Level 2 or higher qualification in Engineering, Aerospace, or related technical fields. More details on our Foundation Apprenticeships Criteria.

The Perks:

• Salary: A competitive starting salary of £18,000 💰
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Flexibility: Up to 2 Flexi Days per month to help you balance life and work. 🗓️
• Time Off: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. 🏖️
• Benefits: Pension, plus a whole range of flexible benefits to explore! 🎉

Ready to Apply?

We want to know *you*! In your cover letter, tell us:

• Why Airbus? What excites you about our missions, innovation, and global impact?
• Why a hands-on apprenticeship? What draws you to learning by doing?
• Show us your hands-on experience! Whether it's DIY projects, building models, baking, or tech tinkering – share your practical skills and hobbies in your CV or cover letter. We’d love to see photos or videos of your projects too! 📸

Important Stuff:

• This is a government-funded Level 2 Apprenticeship.
• You'll need to pass a BPSS security check.
• You must have the Right to Work in the UK.
• Applications close 30th January 2027, but apply early as spots fill up fast!

Join Airbus and help us build the future of space exploration! 🚀

*Please note: Applications may close before the stated deadline.*

Key responsibilities

• Produce high-quality aluminum composite panels according to production plans and quality standards.
• Follow standard processes, specific area requirements, and health and safety regulations.
• Manufacture pipework for Satellite Propulsion systems.
• Use precision cleaning methods and handle propulsion pipework and various other parts and components.
• Set and operate state-of-the-art CNC machines.

Skills