Duration: 3 Years
Salary: Salary will be from £14,000, depending on the scheme, it will be specified during the assessment centre
Location: Cardiff Airport, Wales
Application Closing Date: 3 December 2025
Programme Start Date: September 2026
About the Programme
Are you ready to build the foundations of an engineering career that’s second to none? At British Airways Engineering Wales, we are inviting driven, hands-on and ambitious individuals to join our Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop Apprenticeship. This is your chance to learn how aircraft really work — from lighting to navigation, radio, radar, and safety systems — all underpinned by high-quality workmanship and engineering integrity.
Our avionic component maintenance facility is a high-spec, modern workshop where engineers maintain, repair and overhaul critical aircraft components — from flight-deck instruments and radios, to motors, actuators, wiring looms, lighting systems and more. We also maintain and calibrate the specialist tooling and test systems that ensure these components meet the highest standards of safety and performance.Safety, reliability and quality are at the heart of what we do, and we continuously innovate to make systems better.
As an Apprentice in our Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop, you’ll:
- Rotate through different workshop environments: mechanical, electrical/electronic, avionics and systems maintenance.
- Work hands-on with components such as navigation, flight deck, radio & radar modules; lighting; motors and actuators; wiring looms; aircraft safety systems.
- Learn to diagnose faults using modern diagnostics and test equipment.
- Carry out component strip-downs, repairs, rebuilds and testing.
- Engage with mechanical systems (e.g. actuators, motors) alongside electrical/electronic systems.
- Support the maintenance and calibration of critical aircraft tooling and test systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with aviation standards.
- Understand and apply rigorous safety, regulatory and quality standards.
Qualifications Gained
- Year 1: Full-time enhanced engineering programme at Coleg y Cymoedd (Nantgarw Campus). You'll work towards a technical certificate alongside an NVQ practical qualification, giving you a strong engineering foundation.
- Years 2 & 3: Based at BAEW, you'll work hands-on with our expert teams while continuing your NVQ. You’ll rotate through the different workshop departments, gaining insight into aircraft component repair & overhaul, as well as the calibration and upkeep of essential test equipment and tooling.
- Career Progression: After successfully completing your NVQ and demonstrating strong performance, you’ll have the opportunity to progress through our internal pathways into a skilled engineering role — with support, training and development to help you grow your career within British Airways Engineering.
About You
You’re a motivated team player who thrives in a practical, dynamic environment. You’ll need:
Qualifications
- 5 GCSEs (A*–C / 9–4), including at least a B (6) in Maths, and C (4) or above in English Language and Science;
- Or a Level 2 Engineering qualification (with Maths and Science at Distinction level).
Personal
- Over 16 and resident in Wales
- Right to live and work in the UK
- Available to work a standard day shift pattern (06:30 – 14:30)
- We highly recommend that candidates are able to drive or are learning to drive due to limited public transport links
What's in it for you?
Looking to join our apprenticeship scheme? You won't be disappointed.
We have many benefits for apprentices at British Airways and here are a handful to showcase the diversity of our apprentice community:
- Increase in salary after you have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, if completed in line with your development objectives
- British Airways Engineering Wales uniform from year one to show you are part of the British Airways family from day one
- Part of the British Airways apprentice network and community, with the opportunity to engage with apprentices from all schemes in the business and learn from former apprentices
- Involvement in Community Investment programmes, taking part in fundraising challenges for partnership charities, supporting causes close to your heart
- Volunteering in schools and colleges sharing personal experiences to inspire, motivate and coach students and support their potential to gain employment in the industry we love
- Access to heavily discounted flights to globe trot, and a leave entitlement to turn your bucket list into reality
Further Information & Next Steps
We are delighted you are considering applying! Here’s some more information you may need about the application process:
- Please be aware that BAEW are advertising 2 separate apprenticeships: the Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship and Aircraft Systems & Component Workshop Apprenticeship.
- All sections of your application need to be complete, including all online tests, by the deadline given.
- Due to high volumes of applications, you may only apply for one apprenticeship programme. We would recommend for you to read about each apprenticeship scheme before applying as only your first application will be considered.
- If you are successful with the initial application, you will be invited to complete a short video interview within a given timeframe.
- Across all stages of the application process, if you fail to submit by the deadline, your application will be automatically withdrawn.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on our event page on the careers website to see any events you can join to find out more information and top tips, as well as which upcoming events we will be attending.
At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.
Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
Timelines for this recruitment process
- Initial applications open between 3rd November 2025 – 3rd December 2025 but may close earlier if volumes are high
- If your initial application is successful, you will be invited to complete a video interview and online testing session in January 2026.
- If you are successful in your video interview, you will be invited to an Assessment Centre which will take place at BA Engineering Wales in February/March 2026.
We recognise that AI tools can assist in writing and editing, helping to improve your grammar and overall style, however it's important to consider that reliance on AI tools can lead to applications sounding inauthentic. At British Airways we want your personality to shine through, therefore, we recommend avoiding the use of AI to increase the success of your application.
