Apprentice - Mechanic Inspector & Welder

Date Posted:

2026-02-26

Country:

United Kingdom

Location:

Ayrshire, South Ayrshire

Position Role Type:

Onsite

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. 

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defence industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.  

At our Prestwick Service Centre we are specialists in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft engine nacelle systems and engine components. We currently have 8 opportunities for Apprentice Mechanic Inspectors as well as an Apprentice Welder to start this summer.

What you will do: 

During this apprenticeship, you will initially study with our training partner, Ayrshire College, to obtain a National Certificate (NC) and Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) qualification (unless you already hold these), while gaining valuable shop-floor experience. You will then work towards an Engineering Diploma through on-the-job learning. There will also be the opportunity to attend college on a day-release basis to achieve an HNC and, subsequently, a fully distance-based HND.

What you will learn:

Our apprenticeship programme is designed to develop outstanding apprentices by supporting them to achieve the relevant qualifications at Ayrshire College while gaining valuable onsite experience and working towards becoming a fully qualified professional within the aerospace industry.

This is a true ‘earn while you learn’ opportunity. You will gain hands-on experience working alongside qualified experts, developing your trade skills while building an understanding of our products and processes. You will work with a variety of tools and materials, as well as technical manuals and blueprints, to inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft components.

Qualifications we prefer: 

We expect that you will just be starting your career in the Aerospace industry so, alongside our training partner, we will delight in training and supporting you through your career journey to successfully complete your apprenticeship. That means you need to be a willing learner and committed to achieving both business and personal results. You will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as basic practical skills and have a genuine interest in engineering and mechanics.

We welcome applications from candidates who have followed one of the following educational pathways and passed these qualifications (or equivalent) by August 2026:

Option 1 – All vacancies

Nat 5s in English & Mathematics (Application of Mathematics not accepted) PLUS any one of the following:

• PEO in any specialism

• Metalwork Nat 5

• Woodwork Nat 5

• Design & Manufacture Nat 5

• Graphics Nat 5

• Engineering Science Nat 5

• Physics Nat 5

Option 2

Foundation Apprenticeship in Aeronautical Engineering SCQF level 6

Option 3

Performing Engineering Operations in Aeronautical Engineering SCQF level 5 (inc Engineering Mathematics element)

What we offer:  

This role provides a pathway into a fully qualified role at Collins Aerospace, combining practical experience with an accredited apprenticeship.

In addition, we offer a benefits package which includes a competitive salary as well as 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. There is an Employee Assistance Program, option to buy and sell holidays, employee discounts, a fantastic pension scheme, discounted gym membership and much, much more.    

Advanced Structures:

Our Advanced Structures team leverages advanced materials and additive manufacturing to develop complex interior and exterior solutions. These solutions ensure structural integrity of the aircraft, help aircraft take off and land, stay trim in the air, move forward, carry cargo and conduct rescues. We delight our customers with superior products and best-in-class service. Our global team is committed to continuous improvement – we work hard to make our solutions lighter-weight, stronger and more technically advanced, so that plane travel can be safer, more affordable and more sustainable in the years to come.

We are looking for the best and brightest to fly and land with us!

Candidates are required to submit a covering letter with their application, alongside their CV. You must clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria for the role. This information will be used for shortlisting purposes. 

Please note that submission of a covering letter is mandatory for this role. Applications submitted without a covering letter will not be progressed. 

Applications will close on 8th March, and applicants must ensure they check their email regularly - including their spam or filtered folders - for updates on their application.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

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