About this role
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:20.0px"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.</span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0px">GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. <span style="font-size:16.0px">With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.</span></span></span></p><div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">Join Us as a Supply Chain Leadership Degree Apprentice</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Location:</strong> Western Approach, Bristol</span><br><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Start Date:</strong> Autumn 2026</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Are you curious, ambitious, and ready to start your career in a fast-paced, global environment? This is your opportunity to <strong>earn a degree, gain hands-on experience, and help shape the future of aerospace supply chains — all while getting paid.</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">At GKN Aerospace, we’re lookin</span><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">g for the next generation of supply chain professionals to help deliver world-class aerospace products. This four-year programme combines <strong>real-world experience with a fully funded degree in Supply Chain Leadership</strong>, giving you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build a successful career in a critical business function.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, contributing to live operations and projects that directly impact production, customers, and the future of sustainable aviation.</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What You’ll Be Doing</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">As a Supply Chain Leadership Degree Apprentice, you will rotate across key areas including <strong>Projects, Planning, Logistics, and Customer & Part Management</strong>.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">During the programme, you will:</span></p> <p> </p> <ul type="disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Support <strong>production planning and scheduling</strong>, ensuring materials and resources meet delivery requirements</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Assist with <strong>demand forecasting, inventory planning, and capacity management</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Work with logistics teams to manage <strong>inbound and outbound flows</strong>, including transport and warehouse operations</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Support <strong>customer and part management</strong>, resolving shortages and supply chain disruptions</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Analyse <strong>supply chain performance data</strong> to identify trends and improvement opportunities</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Contribute to <strong>continuous improvement and transformation projects</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Collaborate with <strong>Procurement, Operations, and Quality</strong> to solve cross-functional challenges</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Maintain accurate data within systems such as <strong>ERP/SAP</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Develop a strong understanding of <strong>end-to-end supply chain operations</strong></span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What You’ll Learn</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">You’ll build knowledge and capability in:</span></p> <p> </p> <ul type="disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">End-to-end <strong>supply chain planning and operations</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Demand forecasting, inventory optimisation, and capacity management</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Logistics and <strong>global material flow management</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Data analysis and <strong>ERP systems (e.g. SAP)</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Continuous improvement approaches such as <strong>Lean principles</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">How supply chains enable <strong>on-time delivery and customer satisfaction</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">The importance of <strong>collaboration, quality, and operational performance</strong></span></li> </ul> <p style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </p> <h2><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Qualification & Development</span></h2> <p> </p> <ul type="disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Fully funded <strong>Degree in Supply Chain Leadership </strong>in partnership with Leeds Trinity University</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Structured <strong>four-year rotational development programme</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Ongoing <strong>mentorship and support</strong> from experienced professionals</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Opportunity to take on <strong>real responsibility</strong> and contribute to business-critical activity</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What You'll Bring</H2> </div><div><ul type="disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>5 GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above)</strong> including Maths and English</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>A Levels / BTEC equivalent (96–112 UCAS points)</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Strong <strong>analytical and problem-solving skills</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Good <strong>communication and teamwork skills</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Strong <strong>organisation and attention to detail</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Basic proficiency in <strong>Microsoft Excel or similar tools</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">A genuine interest in <strong>supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing</strong></span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">If you don’t already have Level 2 English and Maths, you’ll need to achieve this before the end of your apprenticeship.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">We also welcome applications from those with <strong>Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs)</strong>, where minimum Entry Level 3 in English and Maths is required.</span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">Who We’re Looking For</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">We’re looking for people who are:</span></p> <p> </p> <ul type="disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Curious, proactive, and eager to learn</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Interested in how <strong>global supply chains and complex operations work</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Strong team players who can also take ownership of their work</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Motivated to build a career in <strong>supply chain and operational leadership</strong></span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Desirable (But Not Essential)</span></p> <p> </p> <ul type="disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Awareness of <strong>end-to-end supply chain processes</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Experience in data analysis, reporting, or problem-solving</span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Knowledge of <strong>Lean or continuous improvement principles</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Exposure to <strong>ERP systems (e.g. SAP)</strong></span></li> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Ability to manage <strong>multiple priorities</strong></span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What We'll Offer</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">At the heart of everything we do are our culture principles: <strong>Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, and Ownership.</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Here’s what you can expect:</span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Earn while you learn</strong> — a starting salary of £23,500 and no student debt!</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Fully funded degree with real-world supply chain experience</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Industry-leading pension</strong> (up to 20%) and life assurance (8x salary)</span></li> <li style="font-weight:bold"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">25 days annual leave + bank holidays</span></strong></li> <li><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Flexible working hours, including <strong>early finish on Fridays</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Access to benefits including<strong> Cycle to Work, Virtual GP, and wellbeing support</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Mentorship and access to <strong>career progression opportunities</strong></span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What to Expect in the Selection Process</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:</span></p> <p><br><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">1. Apply online with a simple form, including a few pre-screening questions.</span><br><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">2. Meet one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human!) for a virtual interview.</span><br><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">4. Join us at our Assessment Centre at our Western Approach site where you’ll get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.</span><br><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">5. Begin your journey with us in Autumn 2026.</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Ready to Start Your Career?</span></h2> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">This is more than an apprenticeship. It’s your opportunity to <strong>build a career, make a real impact, and develop into a future supply chain leader</strong> within a global aerospace organisation.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Apply today and take your first step into a career that keeps the world moving.</span></p> <p> </p></div></div></div><p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0px">We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:20.0px"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working</span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0px">Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0px">We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16.0px"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.</span> </span><br></p> <p><img style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto" src="https://app.papirfly.com/original/gallery/38932/files/original/987ee258-6736-49d7-9079-7b5e993917a6.jpg?cacheVersion=1761223513" alt="" width="600" height="150"></p>