Supply Chain Leadership Degree Apprentice

Join Us as a Supply Chain Leadership Degree Apprentice

Location: Western Approach, Bristol
Start Date: Autumn 2026

Are you curious, ambitious, and ready to start your career in a fast-paced, global environment? This is your opportunity to earn a degree, gain hands-on experience, and help shape the future of aerospace supply chains — all while getting paid.

At GKN Aerospace, we’re looking for the next generation of supply chain professionals to help deliver world-class aerospace products. This four-year programme combines real-world experience with a fully funded degree in Supply Chain Leadership, giving you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build a successful career in a critical business function.

You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, contributing to live operations and projects that directly impact production, customers, and the future of sustainable aviation.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Supply Chain Leadership Degree Apprentice, you will rotate across key areas including Projects, Planning, Logistics, and Customer & Part Management.

During the programme, you will:

• Support production planning and scheduling, ensuring materials and resources meet delivery requirements
• Assist with demand forecasting, inventory planning, and capacity management
• Work with logistics teams to manage inbound and outbound flows, including transport and warehouse operations
• Support customer and part management, resolving shortages and supply chain disruptions
• Analyse supply chain performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Contribute to continuous improvement and transformation projects
• Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, and Quality to solve cross-functional challenges
• Maintain accurate data within systems such as ERP/SAP
• Develop a strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations

What You’ll Learn

You’ll build knowledge and capability in:

• End-to-end supply chain planning and operations
• Demand forecasting, inventory optimisation, and capacity management
• Logistics and global material flow management
• Data analysis and ERP systems (e.g. SAP)
• Continuous improvement approaches such as Lean principles
• How supply chains enable on-time delivery and customer satisfaction
• The importance of collaboration, quality, and operational performance

Qualification & Development

• Fully funded Degree in Supply Chain Leadership in partnership with Leeds Trinity University
• Structured four-year rotational development programme
• Ongoing mentorship and support from experienced professionals
• Opportunity to take on real responsibility and contribute to business-critical activity

What You'll Bring

• 5 GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above) including Maths and English
• A Levels / BTEC equivalent (96–112 UCAS points)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar tools
• A genuine interest in supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing

If you don’t already have Level 2 English and Maths, you’ll need to achieve this before the end of your apprenticeship.

We also welcome applications from those with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs), where minimum Entry Level 3 in English and Maths is required.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who are:

• Curious, proactive, and eager to learn
• Interested in how global supply chains and complex operations work
• Strong team players who can also take ownership of their work
• Motivated to build a career in supply chain and operational leadership

Desirable (But Not Essential)

• Awareness of end-to-end supply chain processes
• Experience in data analysis, reporting, or problem-solving
• Knowledge of Lean or continuous improvement principles
• Exposure to ERP systems (e.g. SAP)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities

What We'll Offer

At the heart of everything we do are our culture principles: Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, and Ownership.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Earn while you learn — a starting salary of £23,500 and no student debt!
• Fully funded degree with real-world supply chain experience
• Industry-leading pension (up to 20%) and life assurance (8x salary)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours, including early finish on Fridays
• Access to benefits including Cycle to Work, Virtual GP, and wellbeing support
• Mentorship and access to career progression opportunities

What to Expect in the Selection Process

Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:

1.    Apply online with a simple form, including a few pre-screening questions.
2.    Meet one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human!) for a virtual interview.
4.    Join us at our Assessment Centre at our Western Approach site where you’ll get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
5.    Begin your journey with us in Autumn 2026.

Ready to Start Your Career?

This is more than an apprenticeship. It’s your opportunity to build a career, make a real impact, and develop into a future supply chain leader within a global aerospace organisation.

Apply today and take your first step into a career that keeps the world moving.