Level 4 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

In this technical role, you’ll be part of a team delivering the future – whether it is Design, Stress, Manufacturing or Quality Engineering – don’t worry, we’ll teach you how! You will gain real transferable skills that matter, from creating initial design concepts to certifying products for delivery. Your work helps aircraft take flight – it’s exciting and open to everyone. If you enjoy problem solving, teamwork, and making things happen, this is your launch pad to a powerful future.

Our four-year Apprenticeship Programme, at our East Cowes facility, is your chance to dive into the world of cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering — no experience needed. You’ll learn by doing, get paid while you train, and grow your skills alongside experienced colleagues who will support you all the way.

At GKN Aerospace, in partnership with the Isle of Wight College and working in conjunction with the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard, we’ll teach you the skills you need to succeed – combining classroom learning with hands-on experience in real, industry-focused environments. With our expert support, your curiosity, and a can-do attitude, there’s no limit to what you can achieve – this could potentially lead to an opportunity to achieve an Engineering Degree.

Your first year will be spent at CECAMM, the Isle of Wight College's Centre of Excellence for Composites, Advanced Manufacturing and Marine where you will undertake a Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering and the first year of your Level 4 HNC in Engineering. Your second year will be completed as day release in Year two. Years two to four will be spent rotating through different engineering areas of the business (including design, stress, manufacturing, Industrialisation and quality engineering) gaining technical experience and expanding your knowledge.

You will also undertake a Development Competence qualification in Years two and three.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you will have achieved:

• Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation
• Level 4 HNC in Engineering
• Level 4 Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing
• A nationally recognised Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship certificate

On completion of your apprenticeship, you are likely to move into one of the following career disciplines:

Manufacturing Engineering (ME)

This covers a number of sub-disciplines including:

• Product and Planning – Developing manufacturing process solutions and problem solving technical issues
• Materials and Processes – Understanding a range of different materials, their properties and processes;
• Quality Engineering – Ensuring both internal and external requirements are met
• Industrial Engineering –Introducing new plant, equipment, technology and automation
• Tooling – Developing and designing tooling solutions and measurement and analysis of close tolerance components and tools
• Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) – Creating Numerical Controlled (NC) programs for a range of machines

Design Engineering

This involves the design of component parts and assemblies for various aircraft structures (Composite and Metallic). Design is via our CAD package CATIA, creating 3D models / assemblies and 2D drawings or model based definition (MBD).

Structural Analysis

This provides an opportunity to develop a knowledge of the stress analysis calculations, computer modelling techniques, and testing used to demonstrate the strength and durability of aircraft components and assemblies.

Quality Systems

This involves the understanding and implementation of the regulatory requirements placed on the company by the airworthiness authorities. Maintaining the approval to manufacture aerospace products is done by monitoring, measuring and reporting in all departments activities, identifying opportunities for improvement that can then be implemented.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE the position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. In order for us to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we do assess each case individually).

Note: please apply for one role only. Please use a personal email address for your application, rather than a school or parental email address. A cover letter is strongly recommended.

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, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.