Company description: Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, were inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. Were proud to play a part in protecting the worlds democracies. And were committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees globally, across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds aircraft and engine manufacturers. There are no limits to where you can take your career. Job description: Job Summary Location: Luton, UK Start Date: September 2026 Join Us and Shape the Future of Flight! Ready to be part of something incredible? As a Quality Engineering Apprentice at our GKN Aerospace Luton site, youll join a team that designs and manufactures some of the most advanced aerospace components in the world. From flight deck windows and wing de-icing systems for civil aircraft to canopies and specialist system components for fighter jets, the work youll be part of truly helps aircraft take to the skies safely and reliably. Youll earn while you learn, studying for a Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) recognised Level 4 Quality Practitioner qualification (equivalent to HNC), followed by a Level 5 Improvement Specialist apprenticeship (equivalent to HND). Over the 48-month programme, youll rotate through different functions across the Luton site, gaining hands-on experience and building a strong foundation in the tools, processes, and ways of thinking used by quality engineers across the aerospace industry. With aerospace technology evolving fast, from new materials to smarter, more efficient systems. This apprenticeship puts you in the middle of a dynamic and forward-looking industry. Youll gain the skills and experience to help us deliver high-quality products for both civil and military aircraft, while building a strong foundation for your future career. What You'll Be Doing Across a wide variety of placements at our Luton site, youll learn how we manufacture and assemble precision aircraft systems and components; and how our quality team keeps everything performing at its best. Years 1 & 2 Build Your Foundations Youll develop core quality and engineering skills, including how to: Understanding and applying aviation regulations, standards, and policies Collecting, interpreting, and analysing data to improve production processes Working with multi-functional teams to problem-solve engineering challenges Gaining exposure to manufacturing, assembly, testing, and other specialist aerospace processes Learning how to identify, manage, and deliver quality improvement projects Planning and carrying out system, process, and product audits Analysing risks and learning how to mitigate them Spotting gaps in process performance and helping develop improvement plans Supporting design engineering, manufacturing engineering, and operations teams with quality-related queries and investigations Years 3 & 4 Step Up and Lead As your confidence grows, youll move into more advanced responsibilities, such as: Leading and contributing to continuous improvement projects Building 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 evaluating performance Creating predictive data models Working with suppliers to develop their processes and reduce quality issues Assuring quality for both steady-state and new product introduction activities Supporting leadership in defining strategy, preparing resources, and communicating improvements across the business On completion, you could progress into roles such as Product Assurance Engineer or Supplier Quality Engineer, with opportunities to grow into future leadership positions. Profile description: What You'll Bring Were looking for someone whos curious, motivated, and excited by the challenge of solving real engineering problems. You dont need experience just enthusiasm and the drive to learn. Essential GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science Grade 4 or above Fluent English communication (verbal and written) A genuine passion for problem-solving you enjoy digging into challenges, exploring how things work, and finding smart ways to make them better A curious, questioning mindset you like connecting the dots, thinking things through, and tackling complex ideas A desire to grow your critical-thinking skills and apply them in real engineering situations Desirable Clear and confident communication skills you enjoy sharing ideas, collaborating, and building positive working relationships Experience working on projects or in environments where youve organised tasks, solved problems, or kept things moving A-levels or equivalent in STEM subjects beneficial but not essential Early exposure to quality work or regulated industries (aviation, automotive, medical, etc.) helpful, but not required We offer: What We'll Offer When you join us, youre stepping into a programme designed to support your development and set you up for long-term success. Heres what youll get: 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! 185 hours 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 Cycle To Work Scheme Free onsite parking Local gym discount Free airport parking Youll also gain access to huge opportunities within our global network. Once youre part of GKN Aerospace, your career could take you places you never expected - and well be here to support your growth every step of the way. To find out more about apprenticeships at GKN and hear from our apprentices, click hereApprentices - GKN Careers Please note: Some GKN programmes have restrictions which may impact certain nationalities. Therefore, when you apply, well ask you to tell us your nationality. A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles weve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Its a culture that won us The Best Workplace Culture Award. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. Were also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so 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. ? ?