Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.Apprenticeship Recruitment Evening
For further information about our apprenticeships we are holding an apprenticeship open evening on Tuesday 17th February 2026 from 15:30 - 20:00. The event will take place at our Global Technology Centre, Taurus Rd, Patchway, Filton, Bristol, BS34 6FB. The evening will give an insight into what our apprenticeships entail, including the opportunity to meet current apprentices across all disciplines and get hands on with the tools & equipment used as part of the role and see for yourselves the impact GKN Aerospace has on the Aerospace industry.
You will also have the chance the meet our training teams and talent acquisition team where you can discuss your application, career opportunities, and what GKN Aerospace can offer you. We look forward to seeing you and discussing the future of Aerospace!Quality Engineering Apprentice – Join Us and Shape the Future of Flight!
Location: Bristol, UK
Start Date: September 2026 Ready to be part of something big? As a Quality Engineering Apprentice at GKN Aerospace Bristol, you’ll help build the future of aviation, and you don’t need industry experience to get started. Every day, you’ll play a role in delivering world‑class products that keep aircraft flying safely, sustainably, and reliably. At our Bristol sites, we design and manufacture large, complex wing structures, precision metallic components, and advanced systems for civil aircraft. And now, we’re inviting you to join us on this exciting journey. You’ll earn while you learn, studying toward a Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) recognised Level 4 Quality Practitioner qualification (equivalent to HNC) and a Level 5 Improvement Specialist apprenticeship (equivalent to HND). Over 48 months, you’ll rotate across our three Bristol sites — including our £32m state‑of‑the‑art Global Technology Centre — to gain hands‑on experience with real engineering challenges and cutting‑edge technology. We’ll teach you the tools, processes, and mindset used by quality professionals across the aerospace industry. With new technologies like hydrogen and electric propulsion emerging, this apprenticeship gives you the chance to be on the front line of next‑generation aerospace innovation.What You'll Be Doing
This is your chance to explore every corner of our operations. Through a wide mix of placements across our Bristol sites, you’ll learn how we manufacture and assemble precision aircraft structures and components; and how our quality team keeps everything performing at its best.
Years 1 & 2 — Build Your Foundations
You’ll develop core quality and engineering skills, including how to:
• Understand and apply aviation regulations, standards, and policies
• Collect, interpret, and analyse data to improve production processes
• Work with multi functional teams to solve real engineering challenges
• Explore fabrication, welding, machining, assembly, composites, testing, and special processes
• Identify, manage, and deliver quality improvement projects
• Plan and carry out system, process, and product audits
• Analyse risks and support teams in managing them
• Spot performance gaps and help develop plans to close them
• Assist design engineering, manufacturing engineering, and operations teams with quality questions and investigations
Years 3 & 4 — Step Up and Lead
As your confidence grows, you’ll move into more advanced responsibilities, such as:
• Leading and contributing to continuous improvement projects
• Creating project plans and presenting them for review
• Coaching and supporting others in using quality tools
• Mapping and analysing processes and value streams
• Studying process capability and performance
• Using data to build predictive models
• Working with suppliers to improve their processes and reduce quality issues
• Supporting both steady state and new product introduction teams
• Collaborating with leadership to shape strategy and share improvements across the business
By the end of your apprenticeship, you could progress into roles such as Product Assurance Engineer or Supply Chain Quality Engineer, with potential to grow into future leadership positions.What You’ll Bring
You don’t need to be an expert — just curious, motivated, and ready to learn. We’re looking for people with a passion for aerospace and engineering, plus the following:
Essential
• At least four GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science — Grade 4 or above
• Fluent English communication (verbal and written)
• A passion for problem solving — you enjoy digging into challenges, exploring why things work the way they do, and finding smarter ways to make them better.
• A curious, questioning mindset — you like thinking things through, connecting the dots, and tackling complex ideas with confidence.
• A desire to grow your critical thinking skills and use them in real engineering situations. Desirable
• Clear and confident communication skills — you enjoy sharing ideas, collaborating with others, and building positive working relationships.
• Experience working on projects or in environments where you’ve had to organise tasks, solve problems, or keep things on track.
• A levels or equivalent in STEM subjects — great if you have them, but not essential.
• Early exposure to quality work or highly regulated industries (like aviation, automotive, or medical) — even at entry level, such as work experience — is a bonus, but not required.
If you’re enthusiastic, eager to learn, and ready to get involved, we’ll help you build the rest.Perks You'll Love
When you join us, you’re stepping into a four‑year programme designed to grow your skills, confidence, and future. Here’s what you can look forward to: 4‑year fixed‑term contract
Level 4 Quality Practitioner apprenticeship certification recognised by the CQI
Level 5 Improvement Specialist apprenticeship certification
Industry‑recognised training in aerospace standards, tools, and processes
A Competitive Salary of £19,506
Half day finish on Fridays!
25 days of holiday (plus bank holidays!) to recharge and relax
Discounts on your favourite shops and brands
A top-tier pension scheme — we boost your savings for the future
Life assurance and income protection, because your wellbeing matters
Access to a 24/7 support programme if you ever need to talk
Virtual GP appointments for you and your close family You’ll also gain access to huge opportunities within our global network. Once you’re part of GKN Aerospace, your career could take you places you never expected — and we’ll be here to support your growth every step of the way. To find out more about apprenticeships at GKN and hear from our apprentices, click here We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go? A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
Read Less
