Advanced Technical Apprentice
Full TimeJob Overview
Build Your Future with Britten-Norman – Home of the Islander
Our four-year Apprenticeship Programme, based at our Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight, gives you the chance to work on one of the world’s most trusted aircraft — the Britten-Norman Islander. No previous experience is needed. You’ll learn on the job, earn while you train, and develop your skills alongside experienced engineers who build, assemble, and support aircraft flown all over the world.
At Britten-Norman, in partnership with Isle of Wight College and aligned to the Level 3 Aerospace Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard, you’ll combine classroom learning with hands-on experience on real aircraft. From day one, you’ll be learning how the Islander is built, maintained, and prepared for operations in some of the most challenging environments on the planet. With our support, your curiosity, and a positive attitude, you can build a long-term career in aerospace.
Work on an Aircraft That Makes a Difference
In this hands-on role, you’ll be part of the team that builds and supports the Islander — a rugged, reliable aircraft used for passenger transport, surveillance, humanitarian missions, and essential services worldwide.
You’ll gain practical experience in:
You’ll gain practical experience in:
- Assembling aircraft structures and components
- Installing and testing systems and equipment
- Working with specialist aerospace tools and materials
- Supporting build, modification, and maintenance activities
You won’t just learn theory — you’ll see how engineering decisions directly affect how an aircraft performs in the air. The skills you gain are highly transferable, but the experience of working on a complete, world-class aircraft like the Islander is something special. If you enjoy problem-solving, teamwork, and practical engineering, this apprenticeship is your runway into aerospace.
About You
Willingness to Learn
You’re keen to develop new skills, open to feedback, and motivated to improve every day. You don’t need prior aerospace knowledge — just the desire to learn.
You’re keen to develop new skills, open to feedback, and motivated to improve every day. You don’t need prior aerospace knowledge — just the desire to learn.
Positive Attitude
You bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a can-do mindset. When challenges arise, you stay focused and see tasks through.
Curiosity
You want to understand how aircraft work, how parts fit together, and how engineering choices impact safety, performance, and reliability.
You bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a can-do mindset. When challenges arise, you stay focused and see tasks through.
Curiosity
You want to understand how aircraft work, how parts fit together, and how engineering choices impact safety, performance, and reliability.
From day one, you’ll be part of a supportive, close-knit team proud of Britten-Norman’s heritage and its Islander aircraft. We value teamwork, inclusivity, and passing on skills to the next generation of engineers.
To join us, you’ll need:
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English
Notes:
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English are accepted as alternative
- Other relevant Level 2 qualifications will be considered if you do not have 5 GCSEs
If you bring the motivation, we’ll help you build the skills.
Year 1 – Foundations
- Build core knowledge whilst attending CECAMM college 4 days a week, with one day a week on site, this will give you basic knowledge and hand skills while you transition into full time employment
Years 2 & 3 – Hands-On Aircraft Experience
- Rotate through different production and support areas, gaining direct experience working on the Islander aircraft, its components, systems, and assemblies. You’ll continue your studies and receive regular support from the apprenticeship team.
Year 4 – Specialisation & Qualification
- Develop deeper specialist skills, contribute to real Islander aircraft work, and complete your End Point Assessment, leading to your full apprenticeship qualification.