Skills

Communication Training

Job Specifications

Job Description:

Start date: September 2026

Location: Stevenage

Duration: 3 years

Application: We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for, however, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time . We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

Apply early to avoid missing out - we may close adverts once we receive sufficient applications .

Salary: A competitive starting salary of £18,000

37 hours per week // Up to 2 Flexi Days per month // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays // Pension // Plus many more flexible benefits!

About Us:

Airbus is Europe’s number one Defence and Space enterprise, so what better way to start your Craft Apprenticeship than with an industry leader.

Being a Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice at Airbus means you will get to develop Mechanical skills within our programme. You will be immersed in a stimulating Manufacturing environment.

As a Panels Manufacturing Technician Craft Apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience in a highly specialized and stimulating manufacturing environment. You'll develop essential mechanical skills while working on large, complex Satellite Panels that are then built into a Satellite Structure.

This is your chance to contribute to missions that will explore our solar system, protect our planet, and provide vital communication services. This role is for someone who wants to turn their passion for practical skills into a career that is literally out of this world! You will be immersed in a supportive team of experts who will mentor you as you build components that will endure the harsh realities of space.

What you will be doing:

Year 1: You will study towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative ST0537 on the materials and processing pathway, gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience.

Year 2: During the Apprenticeship you will have a unique opportunity to experience different Production Areas of the business which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how a Satellite is manufactured at Airbus Defence & Space. This includes working in small teams or on a one-to-one basis to manufacture Spacecraft Panels, Mirror Bonding and Treatments using the latest approved processes and advanced production techniques for Satellite manufacture.

Your key activities & responsibilities will be:

Panel Assembly

Use of various different adhesives
Use of hand measuring tools to meet tight tolerances
Installation of various panel features (potting inserts, riveting, edge taping)
Following process and tolerances to drawings on 3DX

Final Assembly

Installation of panel features including Ty-bases, MLI (multi-layer insulated blankets) studs, connector brackets & cleats and brackets using laser technology
Heat pipe installation to extremely tight tolerances as low as 0.15mm

Mirror bonding

Use of silicone adhesive to install SSM (second surface mirrors) to various types of panels and spacecraft features.
Cutting mirrors with diamond tip pens to extreme accuracy

Treatments

Surface finish measurements such as friction and paint thickness
Application of surface finishes including aerospace approved primers and paints
Grit blasting
Conversion coatings and protective finishes
Masking of hardware in preparation for spraying

During the 2nd year of the apprenticeship, you will attend a week of Team Building Activities and Exercises at one of the Outward-Bound UK Sites. Split up into teams consisting of Apprentices of all levels from various Airbus Defence and Space sites, you will work as a team to complete daily activities such as Rock Climbing, Hiking, Abseiling, Canoeing and more

Year 3: You will be fully on-site , fine tuning your hand skills against the business skills matrix.

Requirements

No strict entry requirements for college although a Grade 3 in Maths and English would be desirable.
Being able to demonstrate good communication skills, good time keeping, an excellent work ethic and a can-do attitude are most important.
Be able to work both within a team or individually.
Be able to follow technical instructions.
No prior experience is necessary; we will provide all the training you need to succeed.

BOOST YOUR APPLICATION

We want to get to know you -not just your grades or school background so, tell us on your cover letter:

Why Airbus? What is it about Airbus that makes you excited to start a career with us? Is it our aircraft, innovation, global impact, or something else? Let us know what interests you about our work and why we stand out to you.
Why a hands-on apprenticeship? Why do you want to learn by doing? We’d love to hear what draws you to practical, skills-based learning.
Show your hands-on experience. In your CV or cover letter , include any hands-on activities or hobbies where you've used practical skills. These could be things

About the Company

We create innovative, effective space and defence solutions and services for our customers, driving our industry forward. We focus on the people we work with and for. Know more