GE Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship, Cheltenham

Job Description Summary

As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice (MEA), you will join our Cheltenham based Supply Chain, on a 4-year, rotational scheme that will enable you to understand end-to-end manufacturing processes, through the lens of a Manufacturing Engineer. You will study a combined Electrical and Mechanical Level 4 HNC and Level 5 HND, which will support you developing the skills to be a Manufacturing Engineering. You will learn the skills required to aid and improve our shop floor processes using ‘Lean’ principles. A key element of the program will also be learning techniques to make you an adept problem solver, whilst also being involved in new equipment purchases and integration to help us sustain our competitive advantage. Our apprenticeship is focused on supporting your personal and professional development, whilst having the opportunity to grow within a global leading business within the aerospace industry.

Job Description

About GE Aerospace

Are you ready to see your future take flight? At GE Aerospace, we are advancing aviation technologies for today and tomorrow. Your work will contribute to the production of advanced jet engines, components, and integrated systems that power commercial and military aircraft. You’ll be part of a team that embraces your drive, your curiosity, and your unique ideas and perspectives. Most importantly, you’ll share in our pride and purpose that affects the lives of millions around the world!

Manufacturing is key to our work at GE Aerospace. Consistently going above and beyond, our Manufacturing and Logistics teams organize and direct the production of components and assemblies to the highest standards. If you want a hands-on opportunity to advance flight for future generations, this is the team for you.

Role Profile

As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice (MEA), you will be based within our 600+ person Supply Chain, at our Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham site. Throughout your 4-year apprenticeship, you will complete your HNC/D study at Gloucestershire Engineering Training, located in Gloucester.

Teaching is typically delivered via 1-day college release, during typical term times. Some of the typical modules that will be delivered during the apprenticeship include:

• Managing a professional project

• Implementing quality improvement processes

• Sustainability

• Lean manufacturing, and more

These learnings are underpinned with Electrical Digital and Mechanical principles.

We also support your personal and professional development, which is why you will be given the opportunity build your network and develop soft skills. At GE Aerospace we see personal development as a key driver of success at a business level. Therefore, apprentices are given additional time to complete ‘off the job learning’ when on site. We aim to arrange team building activities during non-teaching time to help continue to develop your skills.

Our apprentice community partake in, and often lead enrichment teams and activities that help to connect apprentices across different schemes. This is with a view to giving back to the business and local community. You will have access to mentors and may wish to join one of GE Aerospace employee-run networks, such as Women’s network, STEM, Pride Alliance, Including & Diversity, and more.

As an apprentice you will be supported by your Apprentice Manager, Rotation Managers, and the wider apprentice network, to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your course and getting the most out of your apprenticeship. Apprentices who complete this scheme have the transferable skills needed to work across the manufacturing and engineering disciplines, therefore, roll-off opportunities are not limited.

Overview of the scheme

Year 1 and 2

In year 1 you will start your study, where you will attend classes and be set tasks, assignments and projects based on this teaching – referencing your workplace learning to support completion of these. Within the first year, you will also receive a focused 3-month training program at the education center, where you will quickly gain a basic level of practical skills required for life in role, creating a solid foundation to build from.

From a qualification point of view, the schedule will look as follows:

• Year 1 = 5 x HNC modules

• Year 2 = 3 x HNC modules (completion of HNC) and 2 x HND modules

While studying the academic elements, there will also be a focus on your on-site placements, putting your college skills into practice, while establishing working relationships and meeting your team. The first half of the apprenticeship will involve a number of rotations around the various Manufacturing Engineering department, all responsible for different products and processes across site.

Year 3 and 4

As you move into the last two years of the apprenticeship, you will be a more integrated member of the team. You will be expected to take on further responsibilities within your department, and across the apprenticeship programme.

You will complete the final 5 HND modules and work on your portfolio as part of your End Point Assessment. Once complete, we will provide the opportunity to complete a selection of further modules to be completed as part of your 4th year; these will be relevant to Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace and our business requirements at the time. This is a unique opportunity, as these final year units are in addition to the HNC/HND framework, but as level 5 modules enable you to have a greater understanding of Manufacturing Engineering in practice.

From a qualification point of view, the schedule will look as follows:

• Year 3 = 5 x HND modules (completion of HND)

• Year 4 = Additional modules relevant to role, as required, selected by the business (these modules will be accredited and can be used for further education qualifications in future)

Year 4 is all about lining yourself up for a future career in Manufacturing Engineering. You will spend the entire year within a Manufacturing Engineering Team; we will aim to align you to a business area that is of interest to you as individual and also where GE feels your talents will be best aligned. This provides a unique opportunity to close out your academic studies while shaping your future career within GE with a hope to obtain a permanent role in at the end of your apprenticeship.

Qualifications/Requirements

Essential

A successful candidate would have achieved:

• 4 GCSE’s (or equivalent), including Maths, English at grades C/4 or above.

In addition, have achieved, or by the start of the apprenticeship be expected to achieve:

• Level 3 qualification (BTEC, T-Level or equivalent) in Engineering / Manufacturing, OR

• 3 A-Levels (or equivalent), including Maths or Engineering, at grades C or above.

Please note, any offer of employment is conditional on successfully passing an entry exam with GET, content of which GE Aerospace has no influence over. GET set this exam to ensure learners are at the right level of competence to successfully progress through the apprenticeship.

Desired

• At least one STEM subject at Level 3 (A-Level, BTEC, or equivalent)

• Motivated and enthusiastic team player

• Interested in engineering, technology, and electronics

• Inquisitive and willing to try new things

• Focused, organised and want to learn

• Creative and innovative problem solver

• Ability to understand, follow and improve processes

• Keen to seek opportunities to learn and develop

• Passion for how things work and why they are manufactured the way they are

Total Reward

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs;

• Non-contributory Pension

• Life Assurance

• Group income protection

• Private medical cover

• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell

Recruitment Process

As part of our recruitment process, you will be required to submit an initial CV application. You will then be invited to submit additional information we require to enable us to screen your application. After this, you may be invited to a video interview. If successful, the final stage would be to attend an assessment centre on site. Our recruitment team will be in touch with you at every stage to keep you updated.

If you require any adjustments to the process to enable you to be at your best, please email the team via Apprenticeship.Queries@ge.com

Please note our applications will close on Sunday 24th November but may close earlier dependant on application volumes. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS (http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-baseline-personnel-security-standard)

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. Further, under immigration rules, sponsorship is not available for all posts. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration) .

Whether we are manufacturing components for our engines, driving innovation in fuel and noise reduction, or unlocking new opportunities to grow and deliver more productivity, our GE Aerospace teams are dedicated and making a global impact. Join us and help move the aerospace industry forward.