Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice, Cheltenham 2027 intake

Job Description SummaryAs a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice (MEA), you will join our Cheltenham based Supply Chain, on a 4-year rotational scheme that will enable you to understand end-to-end manufacturing processes, through the lens of a Manufacturing Engineer. You will learn the skills required to aid and improve our shop floor processes using ‘Lean’ principles. A key element of the program will also be learning techniques to make you an adept problem solver, whilst also being involved in new equipment purchases and integration to help us sustain our competitive advantage. Our apprenticeship is focused on supporting your personal, professional and academic development, and is an opportunity to begin a career as part of a global business within the aviation industry.
Job Description
About GE Aerospace
Are you ready to see your future take flight? At GE Aerospace, we are advancing aviation technologies for today and tomorrow. Your work will contribute to the production of advanced jet engines, components, and integrated systems that power commercial and military aircraft. You’ll be part of a team that embraces your drive, your curiosity, and your unique ideas and perspectives. Most importantly, you’ll share in our pride and purpose that affects the lives of millions around the world!
With over 1,700 employees, GE Aerospace based in Cheltenham is one of the largest sites outside the USA and a major contributor to the local economy.
Our heritage dates back to 1940 yet our technology is cutting-edge. Located in the heart of Gloucestershire, the Power Distribution & Controls (PD&C) site focuses on the design, development and manufacture of state-of-the-art aircraft power distribution and avionics systems for the global aviation industry. Our customers include all major aerospace manufacturers - covering commercial, business jet and military applications. The scale and complexity of engineering projects offer our employees unique opportunities to work on major international projects, developing critical aircraft systems that will be relied on by many people for decades to come.
At GE Aerospace we strive to be an employer of choice by offering internships, apprenticeships, mentoring and staff development programmes that create a workplace where everyone can be themselves and achieve their full potential.
Innovation, a commitment to engineering excellence and leadership development places GE Aerospace based in Cheltenham as a pioneering force in building the future of flight.
Role Description
As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice (MEA) you will join our Cheltenham based Supply Chain on a 4-year rotational scheme. You will study a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, completing an HNC/D with Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET), at their teaching facilities in Barnwood, Gloucester. Teaching is typically delivered via 1-day college release, every week during term time for the duration of the course.
Some of the typical modules that will be delivered during the apprenticeship include:
Managing a professional project
Implementing quality improvement processes
Sustainability
Lean manufacturing, and more
These learnings are underpinned with Electrical, Digital, and Mechanical principles.
Rotations aim to give you a broader understanding of the different products and customers we work with. In your final year, you will typically begin to specialise in one area of the business to refine your technical competencies and product knowledge.
We want to support your personal, professional and academic development, which is why you will be given the opportunity build your network and develop soft skills. At GE Aerospace we see personal development as a key driver of success at a business level. Apprentices are also given additional time to complete ‘off the job learning’ when on site. We aim to arrange team building activities during non-teaching time to help continue to develop your skills.
Our apprentice team drive their community through enrichment and team-building activities that help to connect apprentices across different schemes. This is with a view to giving back to the business and local community. You will have access to mentors and may wish to join one of GE Aerospace employee-run networks, such as Women’s Network, STEM, Pride Alliance, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion.
You will be supported by your Cohort Coach, Apprentice Manager, Rotation Managers, mentors, and the wider apprentice network, to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your course and getting the most out of your apprenticeship.
Longer term, GE Aerospace offers the opportunity to continue to grow your career; many apprentice alumni from shop-floor pathways have progressed into roles such as Team Leader, Operations Manager, and have many alumni in Senior Leadership positions also.
Overview of the scheme
Year 1 and 2
In year 1 you will start your studies, where you will attend classes and be set tasks, assignments and projects based on this teaching - referencing your workplace learning to support completion of these. For the first three months of your apprenticeship you will be based at college full-time during term time, and then you will move to day release. This will support you to gain a basic level of practical skills required for life in role, creating a solid foundation to build from.
From a qualification point of view, the schedule will look as follows:
Year 1
5 HNC modules
Year 2
3 HNC modules
3 HND modules
While studying the academic elements, there will also be a focus on your on-site placements, putting your college skills into practice, while establishing working relationships and meeting your team. The first half of the apprenticeship will involve a number of rotations around the various Manufacturing Engineering departments, who are each responsible for different products and processes across site.
Year 3 and 4
You will be a more integrated member of the team and will be expected to take on further responsibilities within your department, and across the apprenticeship programme. Your college work will focus on creating your final portfolio, based on your workplace learning and competence. You will begin to think about your future career with GE and the area you hope to obtain a permanent role in at the end of your apprenticeship.
Once core academic studies are complete, we will provide the opportunity to complete a selection of further modules to be completed as part of your 4th year; these will be relevant to Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace and our business requirements at the time. This is a unique opportunity, as these final year units are in addition to the HNC/HND framework, but as level 5 modules enable you to have a greater understanding of Manufacturing Engineering in practice.
From a qualification point of view, the schedule will look as follows:
Year 3 = 5 x HND modules (completion of HND)
Year 4 = Additional modules relevant to role, as required, selected by the business (these modules will be accredited and can be used for further education qualifications in future)
Year 4 is all about lining yourself up for a future career in Manufacturing Engineering. We will aim to align you to a business area that is of interest to you as individual and also where G