2026 Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship (Base Luton)

Overview

Ready to take off? Join TUI, the world's number one tourism business, and begin an exciting career in aircraft engineering.

Our four-year Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn, develop and grow within our Engineering & Maintenance team, working on real aircraft while gaining nationally recognised qualifications.

With a fleet of over 130 aircraft operating across around 180 destinations worldwide, safety, quality and innovation sit at the heart of everything we do.

The apprenticeship

This apprenticeship combines practical, hands-on experience with structured learning. You'll work alongside skilled engineers while studying with Stansted College through paid day release.

During the programme, you'll work towards:

• Level 3 Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship (ST1315) and Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance
• Based on achievement levels during the programme, there may be potential to apply for an A1 Licence, subject to meeting regulatory and organisational requirements.

This apprenticeship prepares you for a career as an Aircraft Mechanic within our Base Maintenance facility in Luton.

What you'll get

• Starting salary of £19,552 per annum, with substantial salary progression throughout the programme and eligibility for bonus.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Paid day release and arranged transport to and from college from base
• Pension scheme and life assurance
• Health and wellbeing support across financial, physical, social, community and career areas
• Employee reward platform offering savings on shopping, days out and travel
• Foreign exchange discounts
• Ongoing investment in your learning and development, including a mentor from among our most highly skilled and experienced licensed engineers
• On successful completion: a TUI voucher and an additional day off to celebrate

About the job

As an Aircraft Engineering Apprentice, you'll:

• Support live aircraft maintenance under the supervision of licensed engineers
• Help carry out minor repairs and modifications on TUI and third party aircraft
• Rotate across engineering teams to gain a broad understanding of the operation
• Learn how we keep safety, quality and compliance at the heart of everything we do
• Develop your technical knowledge through hands on experience and structured learning
• Gain exposure to engineering activity across UK bases and potentially Europe
• Spend time in a classroom environment, learning engineering theory and demonstrating knowledge through exams and coursework

About you

You don't need previous aviation experience - we're looking for potential, motivation and commitment.

You'll be someone who:

• Has a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to learn
• Enjoys working as part of a team and communicating with others
• Takes a practical and logical approach to problem solving
• Shows resilience and adaptability
• Is comfortable studying independently and asking for support when needed
• Has an interest in engineering and the aviation industry, and is committed to a career in aircraft maintenance
• Enjoys hands on activities or practical hobbies

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs at Grade 5/B or above in English, Maths and Science
• We're also interested in technical GCSE subjects(e.g. Engineering, Electronics, Design & Technology), or practical technical experience from work or hobbies

We also welcome equivalent qualifications or relevant technical experience, suchp> as

• Relevant military trade training or technical qualifications (aviation mechanical/engineering).
• Level 2 vocational engineering or science qualifications
• Other technical certificates demonstrating applied engineering or scientific knowledge

Ideally, you'll live within a 30 mile radius of the Luton base.

Eligibility & essential requirements

Please read carefully before applying. To be eligible, you must:

• Not already hold a Level 4 qualification (or higher) in Engineering
• Have the permanent right to live and work in the UK (no visa sponsorship)
• Provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability for any overseas qualifications
• Be able to obtain and maintain an airside pass, including a satisfactory DBS check
• Meet Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) medical, fitness and regulatory requirements

CAA mandatory requirements

All apprentice engineers must be able to:

• Work in confined spaces, such as aircraft fuel tanks
• Work at height using harnesses and mobile working platforms
• Wear respiratory protective equipment and pass face fit testing
• Pass an annual medical assessment
• Interpret Aircraft Maintenance Manuals
• Successfully complete CAA related engineering examinations

We welcome applications from female, ethnic minority and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented within our Aircraft Engineering teams.

TUI is a Disability Confident Employer and guarantees an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. Adjustments are available during the recruitment process.

Closing date: 27th March 2026- We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest.

Assessment centre schedule: April 2026