So, you’ve got your eyes on the skies, and you're dead set on becoming an aircraft engineer or mechanic. Fantastic! But before you’re basking in the glory of jet engine maintenance and cargo holds, there's the not-so-small task of landing that coveted apprenticeship.
Don’t worry, though — this guide is your flight manual for navigating the world of aviation apprenticeships, complete with a lot of tips, and a healthy dose of reality. It’s time to fasten your seatbelt and prepare for take-off — here we go!
Where to apply?
Finding the right apprenticeship can be tough and it all depends on what type of aviation career you’re aiming for. Let's help by categorising some of the biggest companies in the field that regularly advertise apprenticeship opportunities:
Commercial airlines:
Aircraft component apprenticeships:
Business jets:
- Bombardier
- Gulfstream
- Embraer
- Gama Aviation
- Pilatus
- Tag Aviation
- Airbus Helicopters
- CHC Helicopters
- Bristow Helicopters
Military apprenticeships:
These companies are your heavy hitters, the ones that offer structured and well-supported apprenticeship programs. However, don’t overlook smaller or specialist aviation companies — they may provide more hands-on opportunities and often have excellent training environments.
Be sure to also check out local regional operators or general aviation firms, as they can often give you a more personalised experience and potentially more exposure to a range of aircraft types.
Additionally, don’t overlook the military — RAF or Navy engineering apprenticeships. They offer an exciting (albeit slightly different) route into the aviation industry. The catch? They typically have a two-year wait for engineers, which might feel like an eternity.
But here's the silver lining: consider it your Plan D. Get your name on the list, and if you get the call two years down the road — and you haven't secured an apprenticeship by then — "future-you" will have already set up an alternative route. It’s a safety net that ensures you're not left scrambling, and it could end up being the path that propels you into a fulfilling career in aviation.
When do apprenticeships usually advertise?
Aviation apprenticeships don’t just fall from the sky (unfortunately). They follow a predictable pattern, and timing is everything! The sweet spot for applying is usually between November and April, which means you’ve got time to polish that CV, gather references, and perfect your interview skills.
What entry requirements are needed for apprenticeships in aviation?
Time to talk about the serious stuff. You can’t expect to stroll into a hangar and be handed the keys to a jumbo jet without having some qualifications. Typically, you’ll need:
- GCSE’s: Typically, 5 GCSEs are required, with a minimum of a Grade C (Grade 4) or above in English, Maths, and Science. Engineering-related subjects, such as Design and Technology or Physics, are highly advantageous.
- A Levels: These aren’t always mandatory, but if you’ve got the academic chops and have studied subjects like Maths, Physics, or even Engineering, your chances of landing the apprenticeship increase. Higher grades tend to make you more attractive to companies, so it’s worth giving those exams a little extra attention.
- Passion for aviation: It’s not just all about grades. If you’re passionate about aviation and can demonstrate that through hobbies, extracurricular activities, or previous experiences, this will make you stand out from the crowd. Whether you’ve built model airplanes or devoured every aviation book, show them you’re the real deal.
Remember, qualifications are the ticket to the plane, but your passion is what’ll make you stand out among the passengers (I mean, applicants).
Military, Commercial, General Aviation, or Business Jet aircraft?
Now, here’s where you get to choose your path. Each sector of aviation offers different opportunities, with their own upsides and challenges:
Military aviation:
Upside: You don't have to be in the military to get to play with their toys. A whole bunch of military aircraft maintenance has been outsourced to private firms such as Qinetiq and Marshalls. So if you like cool tech, fast jets, and the chance to work on something classified, this could be your dream ticket.
Downside: The downside to military apprenticeships is that they don’t necessarily translate into civilian licenses. So, if you plan to switch to civilian aircraft maintenance later, you’ll have to complete additional licensing modules. Still, if you love a challenge and don’t mind additional hurdles down the road, this is one exciting field to dive into.
Commercial aviation:
Upside: For those looking for stability and structure, commercial aviation offers a solid training program and a predictable career. You’ll be working with airlines that have well-established training programs, and you’ll likely have the opportunity to pursue a licensed engineering career (the A modules will usually be included in your training).
Downside: While it’s the most straightforward path, commercial aviation can get a bit repetitive, this might feel like a bit of a "Groundhog Day" situation. If variety is what you crave, you may want to consider another option.
General aviation:
Upside: If you’re the kind of person who enjoys getting your hands dirty and working on a variety of aircraft, general aviation could be your playground. There’s a lot of practical, hands-on learning, and you’ll be exposed to smaller less complex aircraft, which means you’ll gain a solid understanding of basic engineering principles.
Downside: Less structured training, and it’s a bit of a "potluck" in terms of the quality of experience you’ll get. You may end up working for someone who doesn’t know the difference between their head and a hammer!
But don’t worry, working on the simple stuff makes you a rock-solid engineer — just think of it as learning to fix a vintage car before jumping into the world of high-performance sports cars!
Business jet:
Upside: The business jet sector is gaining traction and offers a dynamic work environment. You’ll work on cutting-edge jets, but what sets this sector apart is the variety and flexibility. One moment, you're checking an aircraft for a standard inspection, and the next, you’re rearranging your schedule to accommodate a last-minute flight change.
There’s also plenty of room to diversify your skill set as you learn to navigate not only technical aspects of aircraft maintenance but also project management, procurement, and legal compliance.
Downside: Things can get chaotic. Owners can change their flight schedules on a whim, meaning you’re constantly adapting to new challenges. It’s an exciting, but sometimes stressful, field.
Apprenticeship salaries
Now, let’s talk money — after all, you’ve got to eat, right? Aviation apprenticeships offer competitive starting salaries, although they vary depending on location and the company you work for. On average, you can expect to earn:
- £14,000 to £25,000 per year as an apprentice, depending on the company.
- In larger cities or regions with a higher cost of living (like London), you might see salaries closer to £25,000.
While it’s not a fortune, it’s a solid starting point, especially when you consider the value of the training and experience you’ll be gaining. Plus, with aviation salaries on the rise, and remember, your skills are always growing. As you progress through the apprenticeship, those pay cheques get beefier.
The future after finishing?
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, don’t fret about job security — the future is bright! Most apprenticeships are designed to bring you on board for a junior mechanic role within the same company. They’ve invested time and resources in training you, so they’ll likely want to keep you around once your apprenticeship ends.
While it’s not always a guaranteed promotion right away, the aviation industry is in constant need of skilled engineers. The experience you’ll gain over your apprenticeship years will set you up for a long, interesting and successful career.
What to do if you don’t land a single apprenticeship?
Rejection stings, especially if you’ve invested time and effort into applying. But don’t give up! Here’s a few tips on how to turn that “no” into a “not yet”:
Apply for everything
Don’t limit yourself to a few top companies. Cast a wide net— apply to as many apprenticeship programs as you can. The more you apply, the higher your chances of securing a spot.
Assume you won’t get in (and be ready for it)
This might sound grim, but it’s actually a smart strategy. Treat the application process as practice, and if you don’t get in, don’t take it personally.
What to do if you don’t get in?
If you’re unlucky and don’t get an apprenticeship after your first year of applying, don’t panic. You have other options! Consider spending the year in college, studying something mechanical or electrical. These subjects will make you a more appealing candidate the next time around.
When you go back to the same companies for your second round of applications, you’ll likely be sitting across from the same interviewer, but this time, you’ll have a year of hard work and new qualifications to show.
You’ll be able to prove just how hungry and dedicated you are to getting into the field. Imagine that look on their face when they see you’ve used your time wisely. Plus, finishing a college course in a related subject opens up another avenue into aviation: an engineering degree, which can eventually lead to aircraft maintenance or engineering roles at a higher level.
In short, if you don’t land an apprenticeship straight away, it’s not the end of the world — just a detour to a more strategic route.
Work experience
Interested in gaining work experience in aviation? Start contacting companies in your areas of interest to inquire about opportunities for a week-long work placement. This will give you a valuable insight into the industry, help you explore potential apprenticeship schemes, and enhance your CV. It’s also a great talking point for your interviews!
Final thoughts
Landing an apprenticeship in aviation is no small feat, but with persistence, preparation, and a good sense of humour, you’ll be soaring through the skies in no time. Each setback is simply a learning experience, and every application gets you one step closer to your dream.
Whether you're repairing military jets, cruising through commercial aviation, or working on high-end business jets, the opportunities are endless.
So, go ahead, apply like there’s no tomorrow. And when you finally land that apprenticeship, remember it’s just the beginning of an incredible journey. Who knows — in a few years, you could be the one sitting in the cockpit, watching the apprentice newbies try to keep up!
Safe travels, future aviation professionals! The sky’s calling ✈️
