Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Production Apprentice

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Production Apprentice will join a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment supporting the production and assembly of jet aircraft components and engines. This entry-level apprenticeship is designed to develop practical manufacturing skills, aerospace-specific workmanship, and regulatory awareness (AS9100, ISO9001, EASA/FAA principles) while working under the supervision of experienced technicians. The apprentice will learn assembly, inspection, documentation, hand-tool proficiency, composite and metal joining techniques, and lean manufacturing practices to become a qualified production technician in the aerospace sector.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

School leaver with GCSEs or equivalent and interest in engineering
Trainee or pre-apprentice mechanical/electrical workshop experience
Level 2 engineering or technical college leaver (BTEC/NVQ)

Advancement To:

Aircraft Production Technician / Aerospace Assembler
Quality Inspector (Aerospace)
Maintenance Technician or Licensed Aircraft Technician (with further training)
Manufacturing Engineer or Production Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

Composite Technician
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician
Wire Harness / Avionics Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform precise assembly of jet aircraft components and sub-assemblies under supervision, following engineering drawings, work instructions, and first article inspection requirements to ensure compliance with aerospace tolerances and specifications.
Interpret technical drawings, 3D models, and engineering bills of materials to identify part numbers, fastener specifications, and correct orientation of components during production assembly.
Use hand tools, calibrated torque wrenches, rivet guns, pneumatic tools and basic power tools to install fasteners, rivets, bushings and fittings accurately while maintaining tool control and traceability.
Prepare and lay up composite materials (prepregs and honeycomb), perform trimming, curing and finishing operations under strict process controls, and document batch and cure-cycle information as required.
Perform precision drilling, countersinking and deburring operations using drill presses, jigs and fixtures, ensuring hole quality and edge finish meet aviation standards.
Carry out mechanical fitting and test-fit operations, verifying clearances, alignments and functional movement of control surfaces, actuators, and linkage assemblies to engineering acceptance criteria.
Follow approved bonding and sealing procedures, apply adhesives and sealants to mating surfaces, and execute surface preparation steps to ensure long-term structural integrity and corrosion protection.
Conduct first-line inspections and dimensional checks using verniers, micrometers, depth gauges and height gauges, recording measurements and raising non-conformance reports where appropriate.
Participate in in-process quality control by documenting build steps on manufacturing travellers, completing work packs, and ensuring all signatures, batch numbers and conformity statements are correctly recorded.
Support engine and component build flow by kitting parts, replenishing workstations, staging assemblies, and adhering to Kanban and just-in-time (JIT) inventory practices.
Perform routine cleaning, preservation and corrosion prevention tasks on components and assemblies, including application of protective coatings as per process documentation.
Assist in the assembly and routing of basic electrical harnesses and connectors where required, routing looms to cable management standards and protecting against abrasion and strain.
Execute non-destructive testing (NDT) support activities such as visual inspections, surface cleaning for dye-penetrant work, and preparing parts for inspection by certified NDT personnel.
Maintain strict compliance with health, safety and environmental procedures in the workshop, including the safe handling and storage of chemicals, composite materials and flammable substances.
Participate in apprenticeship training modules, classroom theory and practical assessments to complete recognized qualifications (NVQ, BTEC, City & Guilds or equivalent) and gather portfolio evidence for progression.
Identify and escalate process deviations, tooling issues or part inconsistencies to senior technicians and quality engineers, applying root-cause thinking when supported by mentors.
Contribute to continuous improvement (Kaizen/5S) initiatives by suggesting practical workplace improvements, participating in waste reduction activities, and helping to maintain tidy, efficient work cells.
Support engine test runs and bench testing by preparing test articles, connecting instrumentation under supervision, and assisting test engineers with pre- and post-test inspections and data collection.
Adhere to configuration management and document control processes, ensuring the latest engineering revisions are used and obsolete parts are segregated to prevent use.
Carry out mechanical adjustments, basic troubleshooting and rework under guidance, using standardized repair schemes and approved corrective action instructions when assemblies fall outside tolerance.
Maintain personal tooling, calibration status and PPE compliance; log tool usage and defects and participate in routine tool inventory and calibration checks.
Work shift patterns as required to meet production schedules, demonstrating reliability and punctuality while maintaining high levels of productivity and quality.

Secondary Functions

Support production planners by providing accurate build-time estimates and feedback on lead-time issues for kit and parts shortages.
Assist quality and engineering teams during internal audits and process validations by preparing documentation and demonstrating build steps as evidence.
Participate in cross-functional improvement projects with procurement and supply chain to reduce lead times and improve vendor part quality.
Help maintain digital manufacturing records within the ERP/MRP system, logging completed operations and updating serial number traceability.
Provide mentoring and informal training to newer apprentices on basic tasks as experience grows, fostering a learning culture at the workbench.
Carry out ad-hoc workshop tasks such as jig maintenance, simple fixture repairs and taking part in tool re-certification activities under technician supervision.
Assist with environmental monitoring tasks such as humidity and temperature logging for composite cure rooms and clean-room areas.
Participate in safety briefings, incident report follow-ups and contribute to the site safety culture by suggesting hazard mitigations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Aircraft assembly and production techniques specific to jet airframes and engine sub-assemblies, including structural joinery and sub-assembly integration.
Blueprint reading and interpretation of engineering drawings, GD&T (geometric dimensioning & tolerancing) basics and bill of materials comprehension.
Manual riveting, solid and blind rivet installation, countersinking and riveting inspection techniques.
Composite layup, trimming, curing and finishing fundamentals for prepreg and bonded structures (surface prep, vacuum bagging basics).
Use of precision measuring tools: vernier calipers, micrometers, height gauges, torque wrenches and dial indicators with traceable calibration awareness.
Drilling, reaming, deburring and hole preparation using hand and bench power tools and jigs to aerospace-quality standards.
Application of adhesives, sealants and corrosion-prevention coatings in accordance with technical data sheets and process specifications.
Basic machine shop familiarity (drill presses, band saws, basic CNC saw/lathe support awareness) and safe operation under supervision.
Awareness of aerospace manufacturing quality systems such as AS9100, ISO9001 and traceability requirements for serialized components.
Basic electrical harnessing skills: looms, connectors, sleeving and routing best practices for avionic and engine harnesses.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) support skills: visual inspection, dye-penetrant prep, and working with certified NDT technicians.
Experience using ERP/MRP systems or production tracking software to update job status, log serials, and manage travellers (or quick adaptability to such tools).
Familiarity with lean manufacturing tools (5S, Kanban, Kaizen) and continuous improvement methodologies applied in production.
Safe handling and storage of hazardous materials, composite resins and solvents, including PPE and COSHH awareness.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a quality-first mindset to ensure every assembly meets safety and performance standards.
Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for fine mechanical assembly and composite handling.
Clear written and verbal communication skills for accurate documentation and effective handover to colleagues and inspectors.
A collaborative team player attitude who engages with mentors, engineers and peers to learn and contribute positively.
Problem-solving curiosity and resilience to follow troubleshooting steps, escalate appropriately and learn from corrective actions.
Time management and organizational ability to prioritize tasks, meet build schedules and maintain tidy workstations.
Adaptability and willingness to learn: open to classroom and on-the-job training, change in processes and varied production tasks.
Professionalism, reliability and strong work ethic with adherence to attendance, safety and confidentiality requirements.
Ability to accept constructive feedback and apply it to practical tasks to accelerate skills development.
Initiative to identify small process improvements and participate actively in continuous improvement activities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma / GCSEs (or equivalent) with good math and science grades; commitment to enroll in an approved apprenticeship program.

Preferred Education:

A-levels in engineering, physics or maths; BTEC Level 3 in Engineering, NVQ Level 2/3 or City & Guilds in mechanical/electrical subjects.
Enrollment or intent to complete an industry-recognized apprenticeship qualification (NVQ/BTEC/Trailblazer/Aerospace-specific apprenticeship).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering
Composites Technology / Materials Science
Electrical / Avionics Fundamentals
Precision Engineering / Toolmaking

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–2 years (entry-level apprenticeship), previous hands-on experience in workshops, cadet programmes, summer placements or STEM clubs advantageous.

Preferred:

Some prior exposure to mechanical assembly, metalworking, composite workshops, or vocational training in an industrial environment; demonstrable manual skills, safety awareness, and a track record of reliability.

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