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 , such 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.

****REVISED CLOSING DATE - FRIDAY 6TH MARCH 2026 - CLOSING DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS****

Assessment centre schedule: April 2026

TUI UK LIMITED

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