Space Manufacturing Engineering Higher Technical Apprenticeship

Job Description:

Start Date: 31st August 2027

Location: Airbus Defence & Space Portsmouth

Duration: 4 years 

College: Havant and Southdowns College

Qualification: HNC & HND in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Application closing date: Applications will be open until 4 January 2027. After this date, the advert will close once sufficient applications are received. Early submission is recommended.

We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for. However, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

Benefits:

Salary: £22,000

37 hours per week // Half day Fridays!* // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Success share // Plus many more flexible benefits! 

*subject to completing full hours prior to this 

About Us: 

Ever thought about working on the largest space craft in the UK? Because that's what we do in Portsmouth; we design, build and test satellites!

Interested in the thought that a year after this application, you could be in one of the largest clean-rooms in the space sector, integrating hardware onto a payload or helping develop some of the most technical advanced electronic equipment for space.. to then watch it launch into space later on?

There are few other experiences like that!

More detail is important:

• We’re part of Airbus Defence and Space – the biggest space company in Europe, and a major player in the UK’s growing space sector;
• What do we make? Advanced satellites that help monitor climate change, keep the world connected, and even power your favourite TV shows (Yep, all national satellite TV in the UK? That’s us.);
• Our team in Portsmouth builds the “brains” of the satellite – the payload. It’s where the real magic happens, and we lead the world in some of the tech we make and use;
• The satellites we help build weigh up to 6 tonnes and are launched into space to beam TV, internet, and secure communications around the globe – including to military teams on the move;
• Oh, and it’s not just about space. We also support maritime satellite terminals – that means keeping ships and crews connected across oceans, no matter where they are in the world. So yes, 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 could be your launchpad.

Apprentices join us from all different backgrounds, from all over the UK! So no matter where you're from, what school or college you went to, we encourage you to apply!

Click here for more details. 

What you will be doing:

Our Level 4 Apprenticeship:

Being a Higher Technical Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop both mechanical and electrical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating design and manufacturing environment.

 

What will you study?

You will study towards an HNC in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering with the possibility of attaining an HND should you be eligible. You will also attain a level 4 standard, which will run alongside the HNC course, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience on this apprenticeship. See more here.

What will you do?

We have an apprenticeship where you can learn to (amongst other things)…

• 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.

The apprenticeship programme is 4 years, broken down into three core phases:

Year 1:

• 40% Studying at Havant and Southdowns College (Southdowns Campus);
• 60% on Site, in our Early Careers Centre (the largest dedicated area in the UK Space Sector).

Year 2, 3 & 4: 

• 20%  Studying at Havant and Southdowns College (Southdowns Campus);
• 80% On site, on placement rotations around different areas within the business.

Year 4:

• Completing the End Point Assessment (part of the apprenticeship);
• Securing your "permanent role" as you leave the apprenticeship and enter the business as a full time employee.

We have a broad range of engineering disciplines on site, which can provide you with an equally broad range of experiences during the rotation phase. 

You will be part of an apprenticeship cohort of 6 during the programme. You will work closely together to succeed during your learning, projects and events at work or at college, and extra curricular events such as the Outward Bound week and Outreach activities.

Post Apprenticeship Opportunities:

Over 95% of all apprentices who successfully complete the programme move into permanent roles within the business. Many of our senior leaders and early career managers were apprentices.

Many apprentices go onto further education, supported by the business. 

Airbus is a multinational business, supported by businesses, suppliers and customers around the world. Many roles will require travel. 

Requirements:

In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship, you must achieve a minimum of:

• 5 GCSEs at C or above including a Grade 5/6 (B) in Maths and English Language or equivalent qualifications subject to validation

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Have a passion for engineering, which you will be able to demonstrate through your educational choices or hobbies. For example, you may have been part of an engineering club at school or perhaps you enjoy fixing mechanical and electrical things in your spare time;
• Submit your CV stating your grades and if they are predicted or achieved;
• Submit a Cover Letter stating your motivations. We read these really carefully! We're looking to learn about you, why you want to work in the space industry, we want to feel your passion and enthusiasm!

BOOST YOUR APPLICATION:

We want to get to know you—not just your grades or school background so, tell us on your cover letter:

• Why Airbus and this apprenticeship?
  What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? What is it about our company, our values, or the future of the space sector that excites you? We want to hear about what motivates you to pursue this unique path and how you see yourself growing with us.
   
• What skills and experience do you bring?
  Think about projects, hobbies, or academic subjects that have given you practical experience. This could include personal projects, academic work and extracurricular activities. 

Important Information:

This Job Request will be allocated to the projected Joint-Venture scope towards a leading European player in space.

GRADES: If you are on predicted grades, your offer will be conditional to achieving the position’s requirements before the apprenticeship start date.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check. You may also need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role.

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK: Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the programme. For more information, please check the Government Website.

LEVY FUNDING: Successful candidates must be eligible for the levy funding. 

Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.

AI Guidance: We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus Use of AI Guidance.

Contact:

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process. If you wish to discuss this further please contact via email apprentices@airbus.com​. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type:

Apprenticeship

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Experience Level:

Student

Job Family:

Support to Management <JF-FA-ES>

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Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.

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