Panels Manufacturing Technician L2 Apprenticeship
Join to apply for the Panels Manufacturing Technician L2 Apprenticeship role at Airbus Defence and Space.
Job Description
Start date: September 2026
Location: Stevenage
Duration: 3 years
Salary: A competitive starting salary of £18,000
37 hours per week // Up to 2 Flexi Days per month // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Plus many more flexible benefits!
About Us
Airbus is Europe’s number one Defence and Space enterprise, so what better way to start your Craft Apprenticeship than with an industry leader.
Being a Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will develop Mechanical skills within our programme in a stimulating manufacturing environment, gaining hands‑on experience on large, complex Satellite Panels that are built into Satellite Structures.
This role is for someone who wants to turn their passion for practical skills into a career that is literally out of this world!
What You will Be Doing
Year 1:
* Study towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 on the materials and processing pathway, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience.
Year 2:
* Experience different Production Areas, building Spacecraft Panels, Mirror Bonding and Treatments using approved processes and advanced production techniques.
* Panel Assembly
o Use of various adhesives
o Use hand measuring tools to meet tight tolerances
o Installation of panel features (potting inserts, riveting, edge taping)
o Follow process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX
* Final Assembly
o Installation of panel features including Ty‑bases, MLI (multi‑layer insulated blankets) studs, connector brackets & cleats using laser technology
o Heat pipe installation to extremely tight tolerances as low as 0.15mm
* Mirror Bonding
o Use silicone adhesive to install SSM to various panels and features.
o Cutting mirrors with diamond tip pens to extreme accuracy.
* Treatments
o Surface finish measurements such as friction and paint thickness.
o Application of surface finishes including aerospace approved primers and paints.
o Grit blasting, conversion coatings and protective finishes.
o Masking of hardware in preparation for spraying.
During the 2nd year you will attend a week of Team Building Activities at an Outward‑Bound UK site.
Year 3: You will be fully on‑site, fine‑tuning your hand skills against the business skills matrix.
Requirements
* No strict entry requirements, though a Grade 3 in Maths and English would be desirable.
* Good communication skills, time keeping, excellent work ethic, can‑do attitude.
* Able to work both within a team or individually.
* Able to follow technical instructions.
* No prior experience necessary; we will provide all training.
Boost Your Application
Tell us in your cover letter why Airbus excites you, why an apprenticeship suits you, and show any hands‑on experience.
Show Us What You’ve Built
Feel free to attach photos, documents, or video of a project you’re proud of.
Government Funding
This is a government‑funded Apprenticeship, subject to eligibility for Apprenticeship Levy Funding.
Security Clearance
BPSS check required; UK SC‑level Security Clearance or Export Control may be needed.
Right to Work in the UK
Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme.
AI Guidance
Please read our AI recruitment guidelines at our website.
Contact
apprentices@airbus.com
EEO Statement
Airbus is committed to equal opportunities for all. We welcome applicants irrespective of social, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. 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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