Get your career off to a flying start
The sky’s the limit with TUI. We’re the world’s number one tourism business, operating in around 180 destinations worldwide and offering exciting long‑term career opportunities.
As part of our four‑year Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Line Maintenance), you’ll work at the heart of our airport engineering operation at Birmingham Airport, gaining hands‑on experience on live aircraft in a fast‑paced, operational environment. You’ll be supported throughout by experienced, licensed engineers as you develop the technical skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for a successful engineering career.
With over 130 aircraft in our fleet, our Line Maintenance teams play a vital role in keeping aircraft moving safely and on time every day.
The Apprenticeship
This programme combines structured learning with practical, on‑the‑job experience working on live aircraft between flights. Training is delivered in partnership with Resource Group.
For the first 10 months of the programme, training will be delivered via block release, followed by paid day release alongside your on‑the‑job learning for the remainder of the apprenticeship.
On successful completion, you will achieve:
1. a Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Aircraft Maintenance Fitter/Technician pathway and Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will achieve an A1 Licence, subject to meeting regulatory requirements and organisational standards.
This learning pathway is designed to prepare you for a career within TUI Line Maintenance at Birmingham Airport.
About Our Offer
2. Starting salary of £19,552 per annum, with structured progression
3. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
4. Paid block and day‑release training
5. Pension scheme and life assurance
6. Health and Wellbeing support across Financial, Health, Social, Community and Career areas
7. Employee reward platform with savings on shopping, days out and more
8. Foreign exchange discounts
9. Ongoing investment in your learning and development
10. On completion of the apprenticeship: a TUI voucher and an additional day off to celebrate
About the Job
You will:
11. Carry out live aircraft maintenance tasks between flights under the direct supervision of licensed engineers
12. Support fault diagnosis, defect rectification and scheduled maintenance activities
13. Work within a shift‑based, airport‑operational environment
14. Learn how line maintenance supports daily flying schedules and operational performance
15. Develop strong awareness of safety, quality and regulatory compliance
16. Build technical knowledge through a combination of hands‑on experience and formal training
17. Spend time in a classroom environment, learning engineering theory and demonstrating knowledge through exams and coursework
About You
We’re looking for people with potential, motivation and commitment, rather than previous aviation experience.
You will be able to demonstrate:
18. A strong work ethic and commitment to learning
19. Team‑working and clear communication skills
20. A practical and analytical approach to problem‑solving
21. Resilience and adaptability in a safety‑critical environment
22. The ability to study independently and take ownership of your learning
23. A genuine interest in engineering and aviation
24. Practical hand skills gained through education, hobbies or interests
Entry Requirements:
25. GCSEs at Grade 5/B or above in English, Maths and Science
26. We’re also interested in technical GCSE subjects (e.g. Engineering, Electronics, Design & Technology), or practical technical experience from work or hobbies
We also welcome equivalent qualifications or relevant technical experience, such as
27. Relevant military trade training or technical qualifications (aviation mechanical/engineering).
28. Level 2 vocational engineering or science qualifications
29. Other technical certificates demonstrating applied engineering or scientific knowledge
You must be able to work from Birmingham Airport and live within a 30‑mile radius, due to the operational and shift‑based nature of the role.
Eligibility & Essential Requirements
Please read carefully before applying. You must meet all of the following criteria:
30. Be aged 17 years and 9 months or older by the programme start date in September 2026
31. Not already hold a Level 4 qualification (or higher) in Engineering, in line with apprenticeship funding rules
32. Have the permanent right to live and work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
33. If you hold overseas qualifications, provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability
34. Be able to obtain and maintain an airside pass, including a satisfactory DBS check
35. Be willing to work shifts, including early mornings, late finishes, weekends and bank holidays
Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in your application being withdrawn.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – Mandatory Requirements
All apprentice engineers must be able to:
36. Work in confined spaces
37. Work at height, including using harnesses and mobile working platforms
38. Wear respiratory protective equipment and pass face‑fit requirements
39. Pass an annual medical examination
40. Interpret Aircraft Maintenance Manuals
41. Successfully complete CAA‑derived engineering examinations
We’re proud to be building a more inclusive engineering community and actively welcome applications from female, ethnic minority and disabled candidates, who are currently under‑represented within our Aircraft Engineering teams.
At TUI, we want everyone to feel they belong. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know — we’re happy to help.
Closing date: 27th March 2026
We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest.
Assessment centres scheduled - April 2026