Job Description:

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Start date: September 2026

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Location: Belfast

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Duration: 36 months

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Application closing date: 28th February 2026

- Please note we may close adverts earlier if we receive a high level of interest for this role so we would strongly encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out on this opportunity!

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About us:

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Ready to build the wings that lift the world? Join Airbus as a Craft Engineering Apprentice  at our site in  Belfast and play a vital role in manufacturing wings for our A220 aircraft. This 36-month programme offers valuable hands-on training, recognised qualifications, and a clear path to a rewarding career in aviation.

At Airbus, we believe a diverse workforce drives innovation. We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. Airbus is a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, leading the way in designing, manufacturing, and delivering aerospace products across Commercial Aircraft, Helicopters, Defence, and Space sectors.

As the global centre of excellence for A220 wing manufacturing, our Belfast site delivers over 70 wing sets each year. Our apprenticeship programme is carefully designed to give you valuable practical training alongside your academic studies, setting you up for success and helping your career truly fly.

With over 157,000 employees worldwide and as the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, Airbus is at the forefront of the aviation industry. During your apprenticeship you will work alongside our experienced engineers and quality team to support you to complete the work safely and efficiently

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What you will be doing:

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As a Craft Apprentice you’ll immerse yourself for the first 12 months of the programme learning the foundational skills required for building aircraft. While completing your academic studies the course will also cover an element of mechanical fitting activities.

This programme is designed to equip you with valuable qualifications and competencies to work directly on aircraft components.

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This 36-month apprenticeship is structured to maximise your learning and impact:

Year One: You will spend the first 12  months of your apprenticeship based at Belfast Met working towards obtaining:

• NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations;
• Level 2 Academic Qualification
• Level 2 Essential Skills;

This will allow you to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to enable you to make an immediate contribution when you enter the workforce in the second year.

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Year 2 and 3:  Your Learning Takes Flight at Belfast! Building on your foundational knowledge, you'll join our world-class team at the Airbus Belfast site. Here, you'll apply your skills directly to live aircraft projects. Your varied tasks will require a range of technical skills. This will include:

• Preparation & Setup: This involves meticulously cleaning, sanding, and masking surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and a flawless finish. It also includes accurately mixing paints and preparing spray equipment according to specifications.
• Application & Quality: Skillfully applying multiple, even coats of paint using precise techniques, while monitoring environmental conditions. A crucial part of the role is inspecting the finish for quality, making adjustments, and performing touch-ups, all while strictly adhering to safety protocols and equipment maintenance.
• Fitting Activities - This would include a placement in our single aisle and wide body business areas to perform fitting activities in our wingbox production areas, these activities will include drilling and installing fasteners.

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You'll continue your academic studies on day release, working towards:

• Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Aeronautical Engineering)
• Level 3 Academic Certificate

Upon successful completion of your 36-month apprenticeship, you'll become a Skilled Fitter, specialising in the assembly of both metallic and composite components to produce the wing box structure on our world-class A220 aircraft. You'll receive a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate, setting you up for a fantastic career.

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Requirements

In order to be eligible to this apprenticeship you must achieve a minimum of Four GCSE passes in the following subjects:

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• Mathematics: minimum Grade C or 4
• English Language: minimum Grade C or 4
• Science or a Technology based subject minimum Grade C or 4
• Any other subject minimum Grade or 4

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​Preference may be given to candidates with a minimum Grade B or C* or 5 in Math.

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Essential Skills, Key Skills or City & Guilds, at the appropriate level, will also be considered as acceptable equivalents.

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