Metal Fabricator Apprentice

Standard Aero; Gosport; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Gosport is offering an exciting opportunity for a Metal Fabricator Apprentice. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience in the manufacture and repair of aircraft sheet metal components while working towards a Level 3 qualification. Applicants should have GCSEs in Maths and English and a strong interest in engineering. This apprenticeship includes mentorship, competitive salary, and a structured program leading to a permanent role upon completion.

Benefits

Competitive apprentice salary

206 hours annual leave

Half Day Fridays

Employer match pension scheme

YuLife wellbeing services

Onsite gym access

StandardAero Rewards Platform

Qualifications

• Strong interest in engineering, manufacturing or fabrication.
• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills.
• Ability to work safely in a workshop environment.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and repair aircraft sheet metal components.
• Complete fine limit sheet metal work.
• Inspect completed work for conformity with specifications.

Skills

Attention to detail

Practical hands-on skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Engineering drawings

Job description

About StandardAero

StandardAero is a leading global provider of aerospace engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. Our Gosport facility plays a key role in supporting both civil and military aviation customers, delivering high-quality engineering solutions with safety, precision and reliability at the core of everything we do.

The Opportunity

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Metal Fabricator Apprentice (Level 3) to join our skilled engineering team in Gosport. The sheet metal fabricator is responsible for the manufacture, repair and modification of aircraft sheet metal components in accordance with approved data and aviation regulatory standards. This apprenticeship is ideal for someone looking to begin a career in aerospace manufacturing and precision engineering. You will gain practical, hands-on experience in fabrication while working towards a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification.

What You’ll Learn and Do

During the apprenticeship, you will be trained to:

• Fabricate, form, assemble, and repair aircraft sheet metal components including skins, panels, brackets, doublers, and structural assemblies.
• Work within the local manufacture project to create parts for aircraft to compliment the extensive maintenance programme
• Effectively complete fine limit sheet metal work
• Interpret and work from aircraft maintenance manuals (AMM), engineering drawings, specifications and process documentation
• Use hand tools, power tools, jigs, fixtures, and shop equipment safely and effectively
• Inspect completed work to ensure conformity with specifications, tolerances, and quality standards
• Accurately complete maintenance documentation, work cards, and job records in accordance with company and regulatory procedures
• Work within a highly skilled team supporting RAF Chinook helicopter depth maintenance

Training & Qualifications

• You will complete a Level 3 Metal Fabricator apprenticeship
• Training will include a combination of on-the-job learning at our site in Gosport and off-the-job study with the training provider SETA at their engineering workshop in Millbrook, Southampton (day release)

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above
• A strong interest in engineering, manufacturing or fabrication
• Good attention to detail and a practical, hands-on approach
• Willingness to learn, follow instructions and develop technical skills
• A positive attitude and a strong work ethic
• Strong verbal communication and written skills
• Ability to work safely and responsibly in a workshop environment

What We Offer

• A structured Level 3 apprenticeship programme combining work-based learning and formal qualifications
• Support and mentoring from experienced aerospace technicians
• Experience working with advanced technology in a world-class facility
• Competitive apprentice salary and benefits with potential progression opportunities
• A clear pathway to a permanent role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship

Benefits

• Starting salary: £19,000 per annum with yearly progression based on performance
• 206 hours annual leave per year, for employees working 37 hours per week, plus 8 public holidays
• Half Day Fridays
• 4% employer match pension scheme
• YuLife wellbeing services, including 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Program, personalised online fitness programs, and many more!
• Bonus opportunities
• Generous paid sick leave
• Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
• Free access to onsite gym
• StandardAero Rewards Platform – savings at high street shops, on days out and more

How to Apply

If you are motivated to start a career in aerospace engineering and want to develop high-level fabrication skills with a global industry leader, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a brief statement explaining why you are interested in this apprenticeship.

Important Information

• Start date: September 2026
• Location: StandardAero, Fleetlands, Gosport, PO13 0AA.
• Duration: 42 months
• Training Provider: SETA, First Ave, Millbrook, Southampton SO15 0LJ (Day Release)
• Apprenticeship Standard: Metal Fabricator (Level 3)
• Qualification: Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
• Application closing date: 31 March 2026

Our apprenticeship roles do not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. You must have permanent right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship to be eligible to apply.

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert should we receive lots of applications so we recommend that you apply as soon as possible to be in with the best chance.