Overview
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener. 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. To attend the careers event, please register your details here. You will receive a confirmation email with your 1.5 hour time slot. If you do not receive confirmation, please do not attend.
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 and equipment used as part of the role and see the impact GKN Aerospace has on the Aerospace industry.
You will also have the chance to 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 — 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, please note this is an accessible recruitment process. 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.
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