Craft Plant Apprenticeship - Aerostructures (Aerospace)

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom; onsite apprenticeship at hirify.global Belfast and training at Castlereagh Campus

Starting salary: £16,632 per year

Company

hirify.global designs, manufactures, and delivers aerospace products across commercial aircraft, helicopters, defence, and space. The Belfast site manufactures A220 wings and mid-fuselage sections.

What you will do

• Complete foundational engineering and mechanical fitting training during the first year at Belfast Met.
• Clean, sand, mask, and prepare aircraft surfaces for painting.
• Mix paints, prepare spray equipment, apply coatings, inspect finishes, and perform touch-ups.
• Complete fitting placements in single-aisle and wide-body production areas, including drilling and installing fasteners.
• Assemble metallic and composite components for A220 wing box structures and mid-fuselage sections.
• Study on day release toward Level 3 aeronautical engineering qualifications.

Requirements

• Four GCSEs at grade C or 4 or equivalent, including Maths, English Language, Science or a technology-based subject, and one additional subject.
• Submit a CV showing predicted or achieved grades and a cover letter explaining motivation for the role and aviation industry.
• Demonstrate interest in practical, hands-on work through activities such as building, fixing, making, or technical projects.
• Current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom for the full 36-month programme is required.
• Complete pre-employment checks, online forms, and evidence of required grades.
• Pass a BPSS security check; UK SC-level security clearance or Export Control approval may also be required.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience from DIY, model building, technology projects, cooking, beauty work, or similar practical activities.

Culture & Benefits

• 36-month Modern Apprenticeship with recognised academic and vocational qualifications.
• 36-hour working week with Friday afternoons off.
• Pension scheme, success share, and flexible benefits.
• Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal opportunities.
• Apprenticeship roles do not meet UK Visas and Immigration requirements for migrant-worker sponsorship.

Hiring process

• Submit a CV and cover letter with the application.
• Selection follows the eligibility criteria for the Apprenticeships NI 2021 funding programme.
• Successful offers are conditional on grade verification, pre-employment checks, and required security clearances.