Trainee Aircraft Fitter

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Date: Sep 2, 2026

Location: Bristol, GB

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

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 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.

Job Summary

Start Date: February 2027

Location: Filton, Bristol

Transfer your Existing Skills into the World of Aerospace

 

Have you ever considered a career in the aerospace industry?


Do you have hands-on experience in engineering or a mechanical trade?

 

If so, this could be your opportunity to take your skills to new heights.

 

Due to growing demand for our world-class products, GKN Aerospace is looking for skilled individuals to join our team as Trainee Aircraft Fitters at our major manufacturing site in Filton, Bristol.

 

At this site, we produce large and complex wing structures, metallic components, and advanced wing systems for both civil and military aircraft.

What You'll Bring

We're seeking enthusiastic and hardworking individuals who are ready to bring their skills to an exciting new opportunity.
 
You will be willing to learn from others, embrace feedback, and adapt to new ways of working. Alongside a positive attitude, you'll demonstrate key workplace behaviours such as reliability, punctuality, and a strong commitment to delivering quality work.

 

You must have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship (or equivalent) in a relevant trade, such as:

 

  • Motor Mechanics
  • Marine or Agricultural Fitting
  • Fabrication
  • Welding
  • Plumbing or Pipe Fitting
  • Sheet Metal Work
  • Pattern Making
  • Jig Erecting
  • Mechanical or A/C Fitting
  • Or a similar engineering discipline

 

Please note:

 

Applicants with an aerospace apprenticeship are encouraged to apply and may be fast-tracked.

What You'll Be Doing

As part of our Skills Transfer Programme, you will receive structured training and ongoing support to help you successfully transition into the aerospace industry.

Over two years, you will develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry-recognised qualifications required to become a fully trained Aircraft Fitter.
 
The programme combines classroom-based learning with hands-on experience, enabling you to learn both traditional and modern aircraft fitting techniques, including pneumatic riveting, hole positioning and marking-out, drilling, filing and fettling, countersinking, and wire-locking.
 
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will achieve:
 
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (Aircraft Manufacture Mechanical)
  • Level 3 Technical Certificate

 

All training is delivered at our Filton site by a dedicated assessor who will provide guidance and support throughout the programme. Learning activities include taught sessions, professional discussions, workplace observations, and portfolio development, all aligned with the qualification requirements.

 

The programme consists of eight knowledge-based modules delivered over the two-year period, with assessment milestones and submission deadlines typically scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks to support steady progression.

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Working Hours

 

  • Foundation Training (first 6-8 weeks):

    • Monday to Thursday: 07:00 - 15:00
    • Friday: 07:00 - 12:00

     

    Following transfer to the shop floor:

    • Working patterns will be based on operational requirements and may include either a 4-Day Week or 7-Day Fortnight shift pattern.

     

    Applicants should be flexible, as shift work and overtime may be required. Additional pay and shift premiums apply where applicable.

What We'll Offer

We provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

 

  • A starting salary of £34,726, rising to £36,717 upon completion of training and again to £38,220 once fully certified (after around 3 months following completion of training)
  • Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
  • Life Assurance 8 x salary
  • 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
  • Income protection
  • Shopping discounts
  • Free onsite parking, staff canteen, onsite shop and Cycle To Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • A collaborative, dynamic working environment 

 

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?

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. ​
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