Early Careers
AirTanker Apprenticeship Schemes
Fleet Engineering Apprentice (Aviation)
This is more than an apprenticeship; it's your pathway to a versatile and impactful career at the forefront of aerospace.
Launch your mission-critical career in aviation engineering with Airtanker. Our comprehensive 4-year programme offers unparalleled hands-on experience on the advanced Airbus A330 Voyager, leading to a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification. With AirTanker you will gain unique dual-domain experience across both military and civilian operations.
Join a truly inclusive and supportive culture committed to your wellbeing, diversity and continuous growth, where your work directly contributes to national strategic capabilities.
Launch your mission-critical career in aviation engineering with Airtanker. Our comprehensive 4-year programme offers unparalleled hands-on experience on the advanced Airbus A330 Voyager, leading to a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification. With AirTanker you will gain unique dual-domain experience across both military and civilian operations.
Join a truly inclusive and supportive culture committed to your wellbeing, diversity and continuous growth, where your work directly contributes to national strategic capabilities.
First 9 Months
You will spend your time with our training partner Resource Group studying for your UK CAA Part-66 Category A1 Licence modules, coupled with hands on practical experience in dedicated workshops and a training hangar facility. You will be offered fully funded accommodation by AirTanker at lakeside lodges located on the Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester.
You will spend your time with our training partner Resource Group studying for your UK CAA Part-66 Category A1 Licence modules, coupled with hands on practical experience in dedicated workshops and a training hangar facility. You will be offered fully funded accommodation by AirTanker at lakeside lodges located on the Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester.
Months 10-48
This time will be spent with AirTanker based at RAF Brize Norton, furthering the skills you have developed with Resource Group and gaining valuable maintenance experience for you to be able to complete your Level 3 Apprenticeship portfolio and achieve End Point Assessment. You will be building your CAP741 evidence to support an application for your CAT A1 license once you have completed your apprenticeship and gained sufficient skills and work place evidenced experience.
Years 3-4
You will be assigned to a dedicated shift, to gain a deeper understanding of the Airbus A330 Line and Base Maintenance environments under the direct supervision of a qualified Mentor and Engineer.
Ground Operations
The Ground Operation Apprenticeship is an 18-month placement. During the 18 month you will cover the following modules:
- Introduction to programme, pastoral care, team building, aviation timescales
- Aviation history, compliance & legislation
- Monitoring the wx
- Aviation Systems
- SMS, aviation security & DG
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Reducing aviation hazards
- Resolve multi-faceted aviation issues (this would fit best for the CS element)
- Support the operation
- Disruption, incidents, and emergencies
"The apprenticeship will provide you with Exposure to many and varied elements of the industry, gaining a well-rounded insight into the workings of an airline and how aircraft get from A to B safely and efficiently. Daily interaction with both technical SME's and Flight Crew, you will be given the tools to move your career to the next level"
Work Experience
Airtanker is delighted to offer formalised work shadowing opportunities to students at local schools, focusing on years 10 and 12. In 2023 and 2024 we hosted over 24 students who gained an insight into the many departments and disciplines that make up AirTanker.
Some have gone on to apply for Apprenticeships or career opportunities with AirTanker since completing their placement.
The application process for each years shadowing opportunities usually opens mid January and closes mid March. Applications are made via our jobs portal.
AirTanker is particularly keen to welcome aspiring engineers who are interested in applying for our engineering and ground operations apprenticeship schemes.