Airbus has told applicants that its craft apprenticeships at Filton in Bristol are likely to close between 6 and 30 November, with the Structures Test craft apprenticeship listed as closing on 15 November 2026. The roles start in September 2027 and carry a starting salary of £19,185.

Applications for apprenticeships at Airbus Aircraft and Airbus Defence and Space are open now, Airbus says on its careers site, but it warns that closing dates are estimates and roles may close sooner — and without warning — once enough applications have been received.

The Filton roles on offer

Filton is Airbus's hub for wings, fuel systems and landing gear engineering, and its Level 3 craft apprenticeships include the Structures Test Craft Apprenticeship and the Craft Apprenticeship in Mechanical and Electrical. The Structures Test role is based at the Aerospace Integrated Research and Test Centre (AIRTeC) in Filton and lasts four years and three months, with study at Weston College towards the Aerospace Engineering Technician Level 3 standard and the Aerospace Manufacturing Fitter qualification.

Filton Plant is responsible for the complete wing assembly and equipping of the A400M military transport aircraft, so apprentices there work on live aircraft programmes rather than classroom exercises alone. Airbus says its apprenticeships combine practical training with study, and lead to nationally recognised qualifications ranging from Level 2 up to full degrees.

Airbus's largest UK site, Broughton near Chester, is also recruiting craft apprentices. Its Craft Plant Apprenticeship in Aerostructures, which involves manufacturing wings for the A320, A330 and A350 families, lists a closing date of 15 December 2026, the same £19,185 starting salary and a 36-month programme, with the first year based at Coleg Cambria in Deeside.

Entry requirements

For craft and technician apprenticeships, Airbus typically asks for a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or C or equivalent, including maths, English language and a science. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme and will be subject to a background check in line with the company's security requirements. For apprenticeships in England, applicants must also be eligible for apprenticeship levy funding.

Airbus states that its UK apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers, so applicants who need sponsorship cannot be considered for these roles.

How to apply

All applications must be made through the Airbus careers website; applications are not accepted by any other method. There is no limit on the number of positions an applicant can apply for, but Airbus says a candidate can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time.

After applying, shortlisted candidates are usually invited to complete an online assessment, which Airbus says is normally sent within three working days and must be completed within three days. Skills days for Level 3 roles at Filton are expected to run from 8 to 10 February, and offers are made by phone and email and may be conditional on exam results. Applicants who need reasonable adjustments can contact the company at apprentices@airbus.com before applying.

Airbus's degree apprenticeships in digital, business, engineering, project management and procurement have already closed, on 26 October, so school and college leavers who want a craft route should not wait for the Filton deadline. With roles able to close early, Airbus's own advice is to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.