Operations Apprentice
UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics
Analytics are greyed out due to low classification confidence (46.0%).
Occupation Type
Other administrative occupations not elsewhere classified.
Occupation Code Skill LevelMedium Skilled
Sponsorship EligibilityIneligible for Sponsorship
Above analytics are generated algorithmically based on job titles and may not always be the same as the company's job classification. You can also check detailed occupation eligibility, and salary criteria on our UK Visa Eligible Occupations & Salary Thresholds page.
Disclaimer: Hunt UK Visa Sponsors aggregates job listings from publicly available sources, such as search engines, to assist with your job hunting. We do not claim affiliation with GKN Aerospace. For the most up-to-date job details, please visit the official website by clicking "Apply Now."
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, 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 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
Start Date: September 2026
Location: Western Approach Business Park, Bristol, BS35 4GG
Shift Pattern: 07:30-15:30, Monday-Friday
Due to the nature of this programme, applicants must be aged 18 or over as of September 2026
Ready to build something amazing?
Our four-year Apprenticeship Programme 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 mentors who will support you all the way.
At GKN Aerospace, in partnership with Weston College, 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.
Our Western Approach site is an International Centre of Excellence in composite wing structure design and production, manufacturing composite wing spars and Fixed Trailing Edge assemblies for the Airbus A350 & A400M.
How You'll Contribute
Build Your Future in Aerospace!
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 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
Start Date: September 2026
Location: Western Approach Business Park, Bristol, BS35 4GG
Shift Pattern: 07:30-15:30, Monday-Friday
Due to the nature of this programme, applicants must be aged 18 or over as of September 2026
Ready to build something amazing?
Our four-year Apprenticeship Programme 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 mentors who will support you all the way.
At GKN Aerospace, in partnership with Weston College, 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.
Our Western Approach site is an International Centre of Excellence in composite wing structure design and production, manufacturing composite wing spars and Fixed Trailing Edge assemblies for the Airbus A350 & A400M.
How You'll Contribute
Build Your Future in Aerospace!
In this hands-on role, you’ll be part of a team delivering the future—building parts, testing systems, and working with powerful tech and tools – don’t worry, we’ll teach you how! You will gain real transferable skills that matter, from operating advanced machines to turning complex ideas into reality. Your work helps aircraft take flight – it’s exciting, practical, and open to everyone. If you enjoy problem solving, teamwork, and making things happen, this is your launch pad to a powerful future.
You’ll be part of a team that’s got your back from day one – with awesome people ready to support you, guide you, and celebrate your wins. We’re all about creating a friendly, inclusive space where everyone can learn, grow, and smash their goals.
About The Apprenticeship
We offer two exciting pathways: Fitter and Machinist, each with its own focus and opportunities.
Fitter- Fitters put together components & sub-assemblies that go into the aircraft on our customers’ final assembly lines. Fitters work to manufacturing & engineering instructions/drawings & will use skills including: Drilling, reaming & countersinking; Riveting & bolting; Using automated/robotic drilling equipment; Functional testing of mechanical systems.
Machinist- Our Integrated Machining Facility at Western Approach focuses on the manufacture of composite wing spars. Skills/knowledge developed will include: Operating 3, 4 & 5 axis CNC Milling machine tools; Operating co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM), conventional & digital measuring equipment; Understanding processes, procedures & engineering drawings.
Programme Structure
Year 1- is all about getting you ready to hit the ground running. You’ll build the core skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed in years 2&3 – with the right mix of learning, support, and hands-on prep to make it happen. You'll split your time working offsite at college completing your foundation training as well as working onsite.
Years 2 & 3-
You’ll be part of a team that’s got your back from day one – with awesome people ready to support you, guide you, and celebrate your wins. We’re all about creating a friendly, inclusive space where everyone can learn, grow, and smash their goals.
About The Apprenticeship
We offer two exciting pathways: Fitter and Machinist, each with its own focus and opportunities.
Fitter- Fitters put together components & sub-assemblies that go into the aircraft on our customers’ final assembly lines. Fitters work to manufacturing & engineering instructions/drawings & will use skills including: Drilling, reaming & countersinking; Riveting & bolting; Using automated/robotic drilling equipment; Functional testing of mechanical systems.
Machinist- Our Integrated Machining Facility at Western Approach focuses on the manufacture of composite wing spars. Skills/knowledge developed will include: Operating 3, 4 & 5 axis CNC Milling machine tools; Operating co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM), conventional & digital measuring equipment; Understanding processes, procedures & engineering drawings.
Programme Structure
Year 1- is all about getting you ready to hit the ground running. You’ll build the core skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed in years 2&3 – with the right mix of learning, support, and hands-on prep to make it happen. You'll split your time working offsite at college completing your foundation training as well as working onsite.
Years 2 & 3-
You’ll rotate through different areas of the business, gaining hands-on experience and expanding your knowledge along the way. You’ll have regular check-ins with your GKN training advisor to track your progress, all while continuing your college studies one day a week.
Year 4- In your final placement, you’ll focus on your final department, build specialist skills, and complete your final assessments – all leading to your apprenticeship qualification.
What You’ll Bring
What We’ll Offer
At GKN Aerospace, we commit to teaching and supporting you to:
Year 4- In your final placement, you’ll focus on your final department, build specialist skills, and complete your final assessments – all leading to your apprenticeship qualification.
What You’ll Bring
- Willingness to Learn You're open to new ideas, ready to take on feedback, and always looking to grow. You don’t need to know everything now — just be ready to learn and improve every step of the way.
- Positive Attitude You bring energy, enthusiasm, and a ‘can-do’ mind set to whatever you’re working on. Even when things get challenging, you stay focused and keep pushing forward.
- Curiosity You like to ask questions, explore how things work, and understand the bigger picture. You’re interested in the details and eager to find out more.
- A minimum of 4 GCSE's at grade 4 or above including Maths, English and Science/engineering related subject.
- We also welcome applications from those with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs), where minimum Entry Level 2 in English, Maths and Science is required.
- Due to the nature of this programme, applicants must be aged 18 or over as of September 2026
What We’ll Offer
At GKN Aerospace, we commit to teaching and supporting you to:
- Work safely and accurately by following engineering instructions, health & safety regulations, and quality procedures – we’ll guide you every step of the way.
- Build strong technical, hands-on skills in a live production setting, learning how to contribute to high-performance aerospace manufacturing.
When You Join Us, You’re Not Just Starting a Job — You’re Stepping Into a Future With Real Rewards. Here’s What You’ll Get
- A starting salary of £15,028.73
- 25 days of 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
Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:
- Apply online with a simple form, including a few pre-screening questions.
- Take part in an online assessment if you meet the criteria.
- Complete a Maths and English online assessment.
- Join us at our Assessment Centre at our Western Approach site where you’ll get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
- Begin your journey with us in September 2026.
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
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 we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s 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.
We’re 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.
We’re 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.