Airbus UK’s annual apprentice day, which attracted 5,500 people last year, offers students the chance to learn about gaining a university degree via the apprenticeship scheme.
Airbus is extending an open invitation to people thinking about a career in aeronautical engineering to visit its apprenticeship open day.
The giant A380 factory at the company’s Broughton plant in north Wales will open its doors on Saturday December 8 to give apprentice candidates a glimpse of where the wings for the world’s largest passenger aircraft are made
They will also meet current apprentices and other employees who have been through an apprenticeship at the aircraft manufacturer.
Gary Griffiths, head of apprenticeships for Airbus in the UK, said: “Apprenticeships are seen as the way forward by many starting out in their careers and also by those looking for a change of career.
“Airbus offers a range of schemes catering for those who like more practical learning to those who like a greater mix of academic and practical training.
He added: “Our Undergraduate Apprenticeship’ in Engineering leads to a degree in engineering and this new programme gives hands-on experience while studying at college then university. During this time they get paid a salary, which many find an additional bonus.”
The Airbus UK apprenticeship schemes are:
• Undergraduate Apprenticeship – Our Undergraduate Apprenticeship in Engineering leads to a BEng with Honours Aeronautical Engineering (Manufacture) in the third year, a combination of job-related and academic training provides a real alternative to university. Participants can also achieve a professional IEng level qualification along with an NVQ level 4 Extended Diploma in Engineering Leadership, they are also given the opportunity to attain a degree without the accompanying debt. (At present the apprentice would earn around £50k during the 38-month apprenticeship).
• Higher Supply Chain Logistics apprenticeship – Supply chain logistics support the integrated supply chains within all areas of the business. It manages the supply base of hundreds of external suppliers responsible for parts and materials consumed during the manufacture process.
• Craft Apprenticeship – A Craft Apprenticeship teaches the candidate to become a skilled craftsman, for example in Aircraft mechanical/electrical. During the 38-month apprenticeship the student would be expected to complete both academic and vocational qualifications to satisfy the framework.
Airbus in the UK has recruited 169 apprentices and direct entry graduates in 2012, with 67 apprentices joining at Broughton and a further 18 at Filton, near Bristol. Broughton expects to take up to 80 more apprentices in the 2013 intake, with Filton taking on up to 30.
Around 70% of the senior management team at Airbus in the UK began their careers as apprentices, underlining the potential for career progression in an apprenticeship over more academic routes.
Applications for Airbus in the UK apprenticeships can be made online at www.airbus.com/work until February 28, 2013 for Craft Apprenticeships, and April 5 for Higher and Undergraduate apprenticeship schemes.
Details of the entry requirements can also be found on the website.
