Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice, Cheltenham 2027 intake

Job Description Summary

As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice (MEA), you will join our Cheltenham based Supply Chain, on a 4-year rotational scheme that will enable you to understand end-to-end manufacturing processes, through the lens of a Manufacturing Engineer. You will learn the skills required to aid and improve our shop floor processes using ‘Lean’ principles. A key element of the program will also be learning techniques to make you an adept problem solver, whilst also being involved in new equipment purchases and integration to help us sustain our competitive advantage. Our apprenticeship is focused on supporting your personal, professional and academic development, and is an opportunity to begin a career as part of a global business within the aviation industry.

Job Description

About GE Aerospace

Are you ready to see your future take flight? At GE Aerospace, we are advancing aviation technologies for today and tomorrow. Your work will contribute to the production of advanced jet engines, components, and integrated systems that power commercial and military aircraft. You’ll be part of a team that embraces your drive, your curiosity, and your unique ideas and perspectives. Most importantly, you’ll share in our pride and purpose that affects the lives of millions around the world!

With over 1,700 employees, GE Aerospace based in Cheltenham is one of the largest sites outside the USA and a major contributor to the local economy. 

Our heritage dates back to 1940 yet our technology is cutting-edge. Located in the heart of Gloucestershire, the Power Distribution & Controls (PD&C) site focuses on the design, development and manufacture of state-of-the-art aircraft power distribution and avionics systems for the global aviation industry. Our customers include all major aerospace manufacturers - covering commercial, business jet and military applications. The scale and complexity of engineering projects offer our employees unique opportunities to work on major international projects, developing critical aircraft systems that will be relied on by many people for decades to come. 

At GE Aerospace we strive to be an employer of choice by offering internships, apprenticeships, mentoring and staff development programmes that create a workplace where everyone can be themselves and achieve their full potential. 

Innovation, a commitment to engineering excellence and leadership development places GE Aerospace based in Cheltenham as a pioneering force in building the future of flight. 

Role Description

As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice (MEA) you will join our Cheltenham based Supply Chain on a 4-year rotational scheme. You will study a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, completing an HNC/D with Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET), at their teaching facilities in Barnwood, Gloucester. Teaching is typically delivered via 1-day college release, every week during term time for the duration of the course.

Some of the typical modules that will be delivered during the apprenticeship include:

• Managing a professional project

• Implementing quality improvement processes

• Sustainability

• Lean manufacturing, and more

These learnings are underpinned with Electrical, Digital, and Mechanical principles.

Rotations aim to give you a broader understanding of the different products and customers we work with. In your final year, you will typically begin to specialise in one area of the business to refine your technical competencies and product knowledge.

We want to support your personal, professional and academic development, which is why you will be given the opportunity build your network and develop soft skills. At GE Aerospace we see personal development as a key driver of success at a business level. Apprentices are also given additional time to complete ‘off the job learning’ when on site. We aim to arrange team building activities during non-teaching time to help continue to develop your skills.

Our apprentice team drive their community through enrichment and team-building activities that help to connect apprentices across different schemes. This is with a view to giving back to the business and local community. You will have access to mentors and may wish to join one of GE Aerospace employee-run networks, such as Women’s Network, STEM, Pride Alliance, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion.

You will be supported by your Cohort Coach, Apprentice Manager, Rotation Managers, mentors, and the wider apprentice network, to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your course and getting the most out of your apprenticeship. 

Longer term, GE Aerospace offers the opportunity to continue to grow your career; many apprentice alumni from shop-floor pathways have progressed into roles such as Team Leader, Operations Manager, and have many alumni in Senior Leadership positions also.

Overview of the scheme

Year 1 and 2

In year 1 you will start your studies, where you will attend classes and be set tasks, assignments and projects based on this teaching - referencing your workplace learning to support completion of these. For the first three months of your apprenticeship you will be based at college full-time during term time, and then you will move to day release. This will support you to gain a basic level of practical skills required for life in role, creating a solid foundation to build from.

From a qualification point of view, the schedule will look as follows:

Year 1

• 5 HNC modules

Year 2

• 3 HNC modules

• 3 HND modules

While studying the academic elements, there will also be a focus on your on-site placements, putting your college skills into practice, while establishing working relationships and meeting your team. The first half of the apprenticeship will involve a number of rotations around the various Manufacturing Engineering departments, who are each responsible for different products and processes across site.

Year 3 and 4

You will be a more integrated member of the team and will be expected to take on further responsibilities within your department, and across the apprenticeship programme. Your college work will focus on creating your final portfolio, based on your workplace learning and competence. You will begin to think about your future career with GE and the area you hope to obtain a permanent role in at the end of your apprenticeship.

Once core academic studies are complete, we will provide the opportunity to complete a selection of further modules to be completed as part of your 4th year; these will be relevant to Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace and our business requirements at the time. This is a unique opportunity, as these final year units are in addition to the HNC/HND framework, but as level 5 modules enable you to have a greater understanding of Manufacturing Engineering in practice.

From a qualification point of view, the schedule will look as follows:

• Year 3 = 5 x HND modules (completion of HND)

• Year 4 = Additional modules relevant to role, as required, selected by the business (these modules will be accredited and can be used for further education qualifications in future)

Year 4 is all about lining yourself up for a future career in Manufacturing Engineering. We will aim to align you to a business area that is of interest to you as individual and also where GE feels your talents will be best aligned. This provides a unique opportunity to close out your academic studies while shaping your future career within GE with a hope to obtain a permanent role at the end of your apprenticeship.

Qualifications / Requirements
Please ensure you have achieved, or are predicted, the minimum grades below, as these are set by our academic provider. Failure to meet these grades could mean you are not eligible to join the programme.

Essential

A successful candidate would have, or be expected to achieve by the start of the apprenticeship: 

• achieved, or are predicted, 4x GCSE’s (or equivalent), including Maths and English at grades C/4 or above

• Level 2 qualification equivalent to minimum of 4x GCSE, including Maths and English at grades C/4

• 3x A-Levels (or equivalent), including Maths or Engineering, at grades C or above

• Level 3 qualification (BTEC, T-Level or equivalent) in Engineering / Manufacturing

Please note, any offer of employment is conditional on successfully passing an entry exam, which we will typically ask you to complete in advance of attending an assessment day with us. GET set this exam to ensure learners are at the right level of competence to successfully progress through the apprenticeship. GE Aerospace has no influence over content or marking of this exam.

Desired

• At least 1x STEM subject selected at Level 3

• A motivated and enthusiastic team player 

• Interested in technology, electronics, and process improvement

• Inquisitive and willing to try new things  

• Focused, organised and want to learn  

• A creative and innovative problem solver  

• Keen to seek opportunities to learn and develop 

• Passion for how things work and why they are manufactured the way they are

Total Reward  

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice, and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.  

As a new joiner to GE, we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs.  

• Non-contributory Pension

• Life Assurance  

• Group income protection               

• Private medical cover     

• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell  

Recruitment Process 

As part of our recruitment process, you will be required to submit an initial CV application. After this, the stages include a video interview, GET test and assessment centre. Our recruitment team will be in touch with you at every stage to keep you updated and understand what is next in the process.

If you require any adjustments to the process to enable you to be at your best, please email the team via Apprenticeship.Queries@geaerospace.com.

Please only submit one application. If you submit multiple applications, we will progress the most suitable one. If in future you are deemed to be suitable for other opportunities, we will automatically consider you for these too.

Please note our applications will close on Sunday15th November but may close earlier dependant on application volumes. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Security Clearance 

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS    

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. Further, sponsorship is not available for our Early Careers opportunities. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. 

Whether we are manufacturing components for our engines, driving innovation in fuel and noise reduction, or unlocking new opportunities to grow and deliver more productivity, our GE Aerospace teams are dedicated and making a global impact. Join us and help move the aerospace industry forward.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No