Airbus Broughton opens its doors in drive to recruit hundreds of apprentices

Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, is seeking to recruit more than 200 apprentices next year at its Broughton site, near Chester.

The site, which currently employs 5,000 staff making wings for all the group’s commercial aircraft, is holding an open doors event next week to attract the next generation of young staff to work at the plant.

Airbus head of Broughton Plant, Jerome Blandin, will welcome potential apprentices, including school leavers and beyond, next Saturday (December 9) when the event kicks off at 1.30pm.

The manufacturer wants to take on 239 new apprentices at the site next year, which includes everyone in its Early Careers Programme, such as graduates, undergraduates and interns.

Mr Blandin said: “Our Apprentice Programme is world leading and this year, we had a record number of Early Careers starters join our Broughton family.

“For a lot of leavers however, they don’t know what opportunities are out there, so we really want to encourage those who have not thought about a career in aviation, to really consider it. And that starts with our careers day.

“The pioneering spirit that was here when the Wellington Bomber was assembled in record time still shines, 80 years on.

“It’s not by accident that the majority of Airbus’s wings are made right here in Broughton. It’s through sustained investment into our people and technology.”

He added: “What an exciting time to be joining the industry. Those who join now will be at the forefront of finding real solutions to decarbonise aviation.”

Airbus is looking for craft and technical apprenticeships in aerostructures and aircraft systems, aircraft systems and testing group (ASTG), air tool maintenance (ATM), tool room, mechanical and electrical maintenance, machine shop and facilities management that, in turn, will lead to roles as qualified aircraft operators, electricians or mechanical maintenance operators, and machinists.

The undergraduate degree apprenticeships include opportunities in engineering, business, digital and technology solutions and HR.

Successful apprentice applicants will be sponsored to study towards their respective qualifications while earning on-the-job at the same time.