2026 Structural Test Fitter Apprentice - Level 3

Leonardo Worldwide Corporation; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global defense and aerospace company is seeking a Structural Test Fitter Apprentice in Yeovil. This role combines engineering training with hands-on experience in aircraft development and testing. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 GCSEs, including Maths at B/5. This apprenticeship offers a competitive starting salary of £17,850 and comprehensive career development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Mental health support

Bonus scheme

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Flexible benefits package up to £500 annually

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs, including GCSE Maths at a minimum of B/5.
• Interest in engineering is essential.
• Ability to work in a multi-skilled environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and testing of aircraft and components.
• Participate in test rig manufacture and rig assembly.
• Engage in community and STEM activities as an ambassador.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

5 GCSEs including Maths at B/5

Job description

The opportunity

Leonardo offers a range of Apprenticeships across a variety of STEM and business routes, offering paid training combined with on‑the‑job learning that enables you to gain practical skills, experience and knowledge that sets up the best start to your career. We offer competitive entry salaries and fully support your academic learning through to qualifications, with salary increases as you progress.

Job Description

We support you settling into your new location, ensuring you are familiar with the team and have a warm welcome from day one. A member of our Apprentice team at each site helps you progress, protects your study time, provides access to digital learning and opportunities to get involved with the local community and STEM projects.

The Apprenticeship

Our Structural Test Fitter Apprenticeship is suited for those interested in working within a multi‑skilled environment (machining, fabricating, mechanical fitting, including some aircraft fitting). You will support the development and testing of aircraft and components through test rig manufacture, rig assembly, specimen assembly, laboratory maintenance and repair of aircraft parts.

The Structural Test Laboratory performs critical strength testing of new aircraft designs and modifications required for Civil and Military certification to demonstrate the strength and fatigue life of the aircraft structure and components. Over 4 years, you will experience a number of placements across the Engineering & Production departments, with the ultimate aim of moving you into a final placement within the Structural Test Laboratory. NB: This role is days, not working on shift patterns.

The apprenticeship will start with an induction into Leonardo, followed by a Yeovil College induction to ensure that apprenticeship requirements and expectations are fully established. You will combine your time between Yeovil College and work placements at Leonardo Helicopters, increasing your work placements as you progress through the years.

During your apprenticeship, you will

• Grow your knowledge of an engineering business.
• Develop practical skills in engineering and understand key processes and technologies.
• Support early‑careers activities – our apprentices have the opportunity to work as STEM ambassadors in schools, colleges and universities.

Starting salary

£17,850

Qualifications

You Must Have (as a Minimum) The Following Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at a minimum of a C/4, including GCSE Maths at a minimum of a B/5. These grades are non‑negotiable.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance, please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to recharge – enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your future – benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your wellbeing matters – free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding performance – all employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Join in our success – our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
• Tailored perks – spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits, please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers.

If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location

GB – Yeovil – Lysander Rd

Contract Type

Hybrid Working – Onsite

Seniority level

Internship

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, and Computer and Network Security

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