Become an Aircraft Fitter within 24 months

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 15,000 employees across 41 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Would you like to take your skills and experience, and cross-train to become a qualified Aircraft Fitter? Then this could be just the opportunity for you.

Our East Cowes facilities, here on the Isle of Wight, are where we design, manufacture, test and repair high performance structures and systems. We employ the company’s distinct competencies in major assemblies and composite structures for the global aerospace market. Our customer base includes Airbus, Astronics, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna, Cobham, Honeywell, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Rolls Royce and Triumph.

Continued growth in our programmes have created a number of exciting cross-training opportunities for appropriately qualified personnel, looking to convert their previous skills and experience in an ‘allied trade’ to become a skilled Aircraft Fitter.

Successful applicants will join our 2 year programme which will provide ‘on the job’ training and development across a wide range of manufacturing processes within our production areas. Additionally, successful applicants will be required to undertake a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering in partnership with the Isle of Wight College. During the training period, participants will also be required to produce a portfolio of evidence.

Job Responsibilities

• Contribute to their team in creating a 'Great Place to Work' by role-modelling safety-first, a Kaizen mind-set, and supporting their colleagues.
• Hold themselves, and fellow team members accountable to embody the GKNA culture principles.
• Undertake all of their tasks in compliance with the standard work and their training, and make any problems; safety, quality, or other, immediately known to their TL.
• Exemplify a safety-first mindset and follow all GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Understand their team's People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash and Cost Key Performance Indicators and their contribution to them.
• Become certified at the Lean Foundation level and implement at least 1 Kaizen per month.
• Support the team and TL in problem solving, contributing ideas based upon own experience of their tasks.
• Be an active member of the team, promoting collective engagement with each other.
• Comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Job Qualifications

The essential criteria for consideration for a role as an Allied Trade Fitter are as follows:

1. Applicants must have achieved a minimum Level 3 qualification (or Level 2 where a Level 3 is not applicable) in an appropriate allied trade as below, ideally in conjunction with having served a formal recognised 2-4 year apprenticeship; however consideration may be given to applicants without the formal apprenticeship if they can demonstrate significant experience and a steady work history in their given trade:

• Air Conditioning Fitter;
• Fitters (HMG);
• Platers;
• Blacksmiths;
• Fitters (Marine);
• Plumbers;
• CNC/5 Axis Operators;
• Gas Fitters;
• Sheet Metal Workers;
• Coach Fitters;
• Jig Erectors;
• Toolmakers;
• Coppersmiths;
• Machinists;
• Welders;
• Fabricators;
• Mechanics (Motor);
• Fitters (Agricultural);
• Pipe Fitters.

Once you’re on board you’ll enjoy the following perks and benefits:

• Starting salary of £27,892* per annum whilst on the scheme, rising to £32,816* once qualified.
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis.
• Life Assurance 8 x salary.
• 190 hours holiday + bank holidays.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle To Work Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment.

* 2024 salaries

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to Work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.