As a Craft Surface Finish Fitting apprentice you’ll immerse yourself for the first 12 months of the programme learning the foundational skills required in the preparation and application of surface finishes. While completing your academic studies the course will also cover an element of mechanical fitting activities. This program is designed to equip you with valuable qualifications and competencies to work directly on live aircraft. You’ll also benefit from our Gen A support network and learning HUB, providing additional support, events, and opportunities for all early career participants.
This 36-month apprenticeship is structured to maximise your learning and impact:
**Year One:**You will spend the first 12 months of your apprenticeship based at Rhyl College, working towards obtaining:
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NVQ Level 2 diploma in Performing Engineering Operations;
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Level 2 Academic Qualification
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Level 2 Essential Skills;
This will allow you to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to enable you to make an immediate contribution when you enter the workforce in the second year.
Year 2 and 3: Your Learning Takes Flight at Broughton! Building on your foundational knowledge, you’ll join our world-class team at the Airbus Broughton site in North Wales. Here, you’ll apply your skills directly to live aircraft projects and assist in the preparation and painting of the wings for our Single Aisle and Wide body families. Your varied tasks will require a range of technical skills. This will include:
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Preparation & Setup: This involves meticulously cleaning, sanding, and masking surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and a flawless finish. It also includes accurately mixing paints and preparing spray equipment according to specifications.
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Application & Quality: Skillfully applying multiple, even coats of paint using precise techniques, while monitoring environmental conditions. A crucial part of the role is inspecting the finish for quality, making adjustments, and performing touch-ups, all while strictly adhering to safety protocols and equipment maintenance.
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Fitting Activities - This would include a placement in our single aisle and wide body business areas to perform fitting activities in our wingbox production areas, these activities will include drilling and installing fasteners.
You’ll continue your academic studies on day release, working towards:
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Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma (Aeronautical Engineering)
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Level 3 Academic Certificate
Upon successful completion of your 38-month apprenticeship, you’ll become a skilled Surface finish Fitter, specialising in the preparation and application of surface finishes plus the ability to drill-off and assembly of both metallic and composite components to produce the wing box structure on our world-class Airbus aircraft. You’ll receive a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate, setting you up for a fantastic career.