Engineering Fitter Apprentice - Airframe Assemblies Ltd

Job Posted: 20 February 2025

• Contract Term: Apprenticeships
• Location: Sandown, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Minimum of £6.40 per hour, depending on existing skills.
• Industries: Apprenticeships Engineering

Here at The Isle of Wight College we work with a number of employers, in a vast array of industries. A fantastic opportunity has arisen to work as an Engineering Fitter Apprentice at Airframe Assemblies Ltd in Sandown.

This is a unique opportunity to join a thriving aircraft manufacturer in Sandown.

Airframe Assemblies Ltd, is located at Sandown Airport, a company that was formed to preserve world two aircraft to form a flying tribute to the brave pilots who fought and died for our freedoms. Whilst we have been involved in the restoration of many different aircraft it is our work on the Supermarine Spitfire for which the company has gained its international reputation for excellence over the last 30 plus years. The company is approved by the Civil Aviation Authority for the restoration and manufacture of aircraft structures in the same way as the other local aircraft manufactures however our work is more of a bespoke nature rather than mass production.

The team of engineers comprises of a group of extremely gifted craftsmen who turn bland pieces of metal into beautiful iconic aircraft and they derive great pleasure from seeing their work wowing crowds and appearing often on television. The hand skills of the team are second to none and we are one of the last bastions of the traditional sheet metal and airframe fitting skills and this opportunity is very rare.

Rather excitingly, Airframe Assemblies Ltd are now looking to recruit an enthusiastic Engineering Fitter Apprentice to join their, friendly busy island team.

Main tasks and responsibilities will include:

·         Manufacture tooling, sheet metal and machined components.

·         Learning essential aircraft fitting techniques through hands-on experience.

·         Working alongside skilled technicians in a supportive environment.

·         Gaining knowledge of reading & interpreting engineering drawings.

Full training will be provided.

Essential Qualities, Skills and Qualifications:

• Interest in engineering.
• English and maths previously achieved at grade C/4 or above, this is a mandatory requirement for the level of the apprenticeship.
• Working in a manufacturing workshop environment.
• Good hand skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Working well both within a team and independently.
• Communication skills.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems efficiently.

Apprenticeship Standard:

• Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship Level 3 Standard.
• Duration of the Apprenticeship will be around 4 years.
• There is a requirement to complete off the job training for 6 hours per week where you will be learning new skills, time spent either learning something new, other courses or any support work that is not in your usual role will also be counted.
• Weekly attendance at CECAMM as part of the Apprenticeship from September 2025.

Working Week:

• Monday to Thursday 08.00am to 5.00pm.
• Friday 08.00am to 12.00pm.
• 38 hours per week.

Wage:

• Dependent on skills. Rate will be higher than the National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage.
• This will then be reviewed between 3 to 6 months of working in the role.

Additional information:

The current National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for apprentices is £6.40 per hour. This applies to 16-18-year-old apprentices and those aged over 19 in the first year of their Apprenticeship. For all other apprentices the National Minimum wage appropriate to their age applies. The Minimum Wage for Apprentices applies to time spent on the job plus time spent training. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Once qualified and dependant on needs of the business at the time of apprenticeship completion, there may be the potential to grow within the company and become part of a skilled workforce.

Your details will be processed in accordance with GDPR.

So, if this sounds like the next step you want to take with your career, then please apply with a cover letter and CV telling us why you feel you would be the ideal person to take on this brilliant opportunity!!