Work Experience at GKN Aerospace
About us
GKN Aerospace is a global engineering business. Every time you travel by air almost anywhere in the world it is likely that GKN Aerospace is helping you on your way. We design, manufacture and service systems and components for original equipment manufacturers around the world.
Founded more than 260 years ago, we have adapted, developed and grown into a business with a network of more than 15,000 employees across 12 countries at the forefront of technology and engineering innovative solutions.
What GKN Aerospace can offer you
At GKN Aerospace we believe that work experience is the most important factor in shaping an individual’s perception of the working world.
A work experience placement with GKN Aerospace gives you the opportunity to learn real job skills with one of the world's leading engineering companies.
Throughout your placement you will gain first-hand experience of the workplace and an insight into career opportunities.
You will be encouraged to develop your current skills, and receive support by a dedicated local work experience champion.
We are looking for students who are passionate about their professional development, who want to know more about what job opportunities are available to them and who have the appetite to step out of their comfort zone to become the best version of themselves.
Placement locations
Please see the map below of work placement locations and contact details to check available vacancies. When contacting a preferred site location please can we ask you to attach your CV.
Placements available to you
During this placement you will be responsible for:
- General Administration
- General Maintenance of SAP system
- Attending meetings and taking minutes
- Working on a full rotation across the HR function to experience a number of different roles
Ideal candidate must have:
- Good communication skills
- Good IT skills
- Work accurately with attention to detail
- Good organisation skills
- Have an interest within Human Resource, Employee Engagement and Learning and Development
During this placement you will:
- Work with project engineers to compile Design Review minutes, help with checking of drawings against requirements (not design) and generally assist and learn aerospace engineering practices.
- Help with simple tests in laboratory.
- Use Catia if they have existing CAD experience
Ideal candidate must have:
- Person Specification
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work to standard instructions
- Have an interest in Engineering and manufacturing
During this placement you will be responsible for:
- Maintaining team database
- Maintaining Risk assessment information
- Scheduling H&S and first aid courses
- Maintaining subsequent employee training records
- Undertaking administrative tasks
Ideal candidate must have:
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work to standard instructions
- Self-motivated team player
During this placement you will be:
- Maintaining systems and databases
- Answering Triage IT help desk calls and liaising with customers
- Conducting IT systems activities
- Undertaking other office based administrative tasks to support the team
Ideal candidate must have:
- Good communication skills
- Good IT skills
- Ability to work to standard instructions
- Self-motivated team player
During this placement you will be:
- Maintaining department database
- Raising orders and liaising with customers
- Scheduling manufacturing activities
- Undertaking office based administrative tasks
Ideal candidate must have:
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work to standard instructions
- Self-motivated team player
FAQs
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How do I apply for a GKN Aerospace Work Experience placement?
To apply for a placement please send a copy of your CV to your preferred location using the map above.
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What is the duration of placements offered?
All placements are 1 week in duration
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Am I eligible to apply?
In order to apply you must be aged 14- 17 years old and be in full time education
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When will I hear if I have been selected?
We aim to respond to all applicants on whether you have been successful or not as soon as possible. However due to high demand at various times during the year please be aware that this could take up to 4 weeks.
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Can I apply for work experience in more than one area?
Unfortunately not, we are only able to accept one request per applicant.
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What should I wear for my work experience placement?
Smart informal dress is welcomed
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What are the hours of a work experience placement?
Most of our work placements will follow normal business hours (08:00am-4pm Monday-Friday) however certain placements may require work outside of these hours.
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If I am unsuccessful, can I apply again next time?
Yes, you will be able to apply again next year.
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Can I get feedback on my unsuccessful application?
I am sure you will understand that GKN Aerospace receives many requests for work experience and are unfortunately unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants but will try to contact you in a timely manner on whether you have been successful or not.
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Do you offer paid placements?
No, all placements offered are voluntary (unpaid)
Don't just take our word for it
“From this placement I now have more of an understanding on how big companies function. I feel that I am more prepared for the job market because I have experience it first hand and have an insight on how many different jobs are available to me”
“I was offered a week long placement at GKN Aerospace Filton for Work Experience; this allowed me to gain a very good insight into the company and confirmed to me that this was where I wanted my career to be heading. The experience helped me build upon my current abilities such as communication and team working skills, skills of which are sought after by employers.
Work Experience also highlighted a few areas that needed to be improved; this was very helpful as I knew what to work on when applying for apprenticeships, this helped me maximise my chances of getting a job. Today I currently work as a Fitter at GKN Aerospace Filton”.
