Apprentice Aircraft Fitter
Prestwick AeroSystems | Ayrshire
Build aircraft. Build your future.
Prestwick AeroSystems is one of Ayrshire's largest employers and part of the wider Airbus family of companies. From our site in Prestwick, we manufacture and assemble wing components for Airbus aircraft, supporting planes that fly all over the world.
We are now recruiting Apprentice Aircraft Fitters — people who want to learn a skilled trade and build a long-term career as a qualified fitter.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is open to everyone who is interested in practical, hands-on work.
You do not need previous experience. We are looking for people who:
Enjoy working with their hands
Are keen to learn new skills
Care about accuracy and quality
Work well as part of a team
We work in partnership with Ayrshire College, combining college learning with real experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
What you will learn
As an Apprentice Fitter, you will be trained to:
Assemble and fit Airbus wing structures
Use specialist tools and equipment safely
Read drawings and follow detailed instructions
Work to the very high standards required in aerospace
Why Prestwick AeroSystems?
One of Ayrshire's biggest and most established employers
A trusted Airbus affiliate, working on world-class aircraft
A clear route into a permanent fitter role
Support and mentoring from experienced fitters
A skilled trade you can be proud of
What you will receive
A structured, paid apprenticeship
College training with Ayrshire College
Industry-recognised qualifications
Real experience building aircraft parts used worldwide
Who can apply
This apprenticeship is open to girls and boys who are interested in practical, hands-on work and want to build a long-term career in aerospace manufacturing.
You do not need previous trade or engineering experience.
Qualifications and Entry Requirements
Applicants must have, or be working towards, the following at National 5 level (Grades A–C):
National 5 English
National 5 Mathematics
Plus, TWO of the following at Grades (A-C) made up of:
One of:
National 5 Design & Manufacture
PEO Aeronautical Engineering
And one of:
National 5 Physics
National 5 Practical Metalworking
Application of Math's is not acceptable
Apprenticeship Structure
This is a 4-year, structured apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Ayrshire College:
Year 1: Full-time college study completing the PEO in Aeronautical Engineering
Years 2–4: Full-time employment within the business, working on the shop floor and developing hands-on aircraft fitting skills
All apprentices start together and progress through the programme as a cohort.
Personal Statement (200 words)
As part of your application, please include a short personal statement (around 200 words) covering:
A bit about you
Why you want to work with Prestwick AeroSystems
What you feel you would bring to the role and the team
What you hope to gain from the apprenticeship
This doesn't need to be perfect or technical — we're interested in your motivation, attitude, and potential.
If you want a practical career with real skills and long-term opportunities, this could be the start of something special.