Test Technician Apprenticeship, Cheltenham 2027 intake

Job Description Summary

As a Test Technician Apprentice (TTA) you will join our Cheltenham based Supply Chain on a 3.5-year rotational scheme that will train you be a Test Technician, enabling you to understand the end-to-end manufacturing process, down to component level, from a test perspective. You will do this whilst studying a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship - Electrical, completing an HNC/D qualification with Gloucestershire Engineering Training. Our apprenticeship is focused on supporting your personal, professional and academic development, and is an opportunity to begin a career as part of a global business within the aviation 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!

With over 1,700 employees, GE Aerospace based in Cheltenham is one of the largest sites outside the USA and a major contributor to the local economy.

Our heritage dates back to 1940 yet our technology is cutting-edge. Located in the heart of Gloucestershire, the Power Distribution & Controls (PD&C) site focuses on the design, development and manufacture of state-of-the-art aircraft power distribution and avionics systems for the global aviation industry. Our customers include all major aerospace manufacturers - covering commercial, business jet and military applications. The scale and complexity of engineering projects offer our employees unique opportunities to work on major international projects, developing critical aircraft systems that will be relied on by many people for decades to come.

At GE Aerospace we strive to be an employer of choice by offering internships, apprenticeships, mentoring and staff development programmes that create a workplace where everyone can be themselves and achieve their full potential.

Innovation, a commitment to engineering excellence and leadership development places GE Aerospace based in Cheltenham as a pioneering force in building the future of flight.

Role Description

As a Test Technician Apprentice (TTA) you will join our Cheltenham based Supply Chain on a 3.5-year rotational scheme, which will train you to be a Test Technician, fault-finding on products, down to a component level. You will study a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, completing an HNC/D with Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET), at their teaching facilities in Barnwood, Gloucester. Teaching is typically delivered via 1-day college release, every week during term time for the duration of the course.

You will be trained in using manual and automated test equipment, support quality and engineering investigations, and learn how to read and understanding electronic, digital and analogue circuit diagrams as well as how to raise work compliantly to ensure paperwork meets the necessary governance of the product.

TTA’s rotate through our business, typically completing rotations through a selection of our core business units, including:

PCB

Avionics

Military Power

Civil Power

Aftermarket

Rotations aim to give you a broader understanding of the different products and customers we work with. In your final year, you will typically begin to specialize in one area of the business to refine your technical competency and product knowledge.

We want to support your personal, professional and academic 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. Apprentices are also 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 team drive their community through enrichment and team-building 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, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion.

You will be supported by your Cohort Coach, Apprentice Manager, Rotation Managers, mentors, 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 skills to apply to almost any function within the Supply Chain - therefore, roll-off opportunities are not limited to a specified area.

This apprenticeship was launched in 2023 and has been designed to train apprentices to become Test Technicians within our Manufacturing Supply Chain, based on a long-term need for more of this talent and skill set within our business. Our aspiration is to invest in the next generation of Test Technicians, in order to develop the skills and competencies needed to support our ever-growing business portfolio.

Longer term, GE Aerospace offers the opportunity to continue to grow your career; many apprentice alumni from shop-floor pathways have progressed into roles such as Team Leader, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Engineer and have many alumni in Senior Leadership positions also.

Overview of the scheme

Year 1 & 2

In year & 2 you will start your study with Gloucestershire Engineering Training at their Barnwood Campus in Gloucester, 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. You will also focus on your on-site placements, putting your college skills into practice. You'll begin to work on foundational tasks, establishing working relationships and meeting your team and develop these to become more autonomous and take on greater responsibilities. You will be mentored by older apprentices and join enrichment teams.

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

Year 1

5 HNC modules

Year 2

3 HNC modules

3 HND modules

Year 3 onwards

You will be a more integrated member of the team and will be expected to take on further responsibilities within your department, and across the apprenticeship programme. Your college work will focus on creating your final portfolio, based on your workplace learning and competence. You will begin to think about your future career with GE and the area you hope to obtain a permanent role in at the end of your apprenticeship.

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

5 HND modules

Work on portfolio as part of your End Point Assessment (EPA)

Qualifications/Requirements

Please ensure you have achieved, or are predicted, the minimum grades below, as these are set by our academic provider. Failure to meet these grades could mean you are not eligible to join the programme.

Essential

A successful candidate would have, or be expected to achieve by the start of the apprenticeship:

achieved, or are predicted, 4x GCSE’s (or equivalent), including Maths and English at grades C/4 or above

Level 2 qualification equivalent to minimum of 4x GCSE, including Maths and English at grades C/4

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

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

Please note, any offer of employment is conditional on successfully passing an entry exam, which we will typically ask you to complete in advance of attending an asses