Apprenticeship delivery

For an employer of any size in the aerospace and engineering sectors, choosing Marshall to deliver an apprenticeship programme is the best way to ensure new talent can hit the shop floor running.

Building on our own heritage of training more than 21,000 apprentices over the course of a century, we are partnering with industry-leading employers and training providers to help tackle the growing global skills gap for aviation maintenance and engineering professionals.

It is widely recognised that aircraft maintenance professionals who started their careers with Marshall apprenticeship programmes are some of the most competent in the industry.

As a government-approved (RoATP) centre with Main Provider status we can access funding to deliver apprenticeships whether both Levy-paying or non-Levy paying employers, while helping to manage digital accounts if required. We are also an approved centre for internationally recognised awarding organisations, including City and Guilds, EAL, APM, and CMI.

Support from start to finish

Our respected team of teaching, assessment, quality assurance and funding experts will work with our customers from the earliest stages to ensure that apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to succeed in the industry.

Our support begins with understanding individual needs: we will develop a learning programme tailored specifically to address an individual organisation's skills gap, while also guiding employers to implement best practices for supporting apprentices in the workplace.

During the apprenticeship application process, we can provide comprehensive guidance throughout recruitment and selection to help onboard the very best talent.

Our apprenticeships offer a combination of theory with practical, hands-on experience. Each apprenticeship starts with a level 2 qualification administered at our state-of-the-art training facility in Cambridge. Subsequent years are delivered using a blended learning approach that combines extensive support from the Marshall team with hands-on experience at customer locations.

If required we can also help provide advice about the area and the best places to look for accommodation while apprentices are based in Cambridge, as well as a package of wellbeing support to ensure apprentices leave us with life skills as well as technical skills.

Level 2

Level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeships are equivalent to GCSE qualifications.

This is a fantastic opportunity to start a career with minimal entry level requirements that can be started straight after school or college (16+).

Assembly and installation fitter

Our assembly and installation fitter apprenticeship follows the level 2 Engineering Operative standard and is a 12 month programme leading to a full level 2 diploma qualification.

The aim of the apprenticeship is to develop key knowledge, skills and behaviours through a combination of workshop training, classroom sessions and on the job learning through workplace rotations. Alongside technical skills, apprentices will develop the behaviours needed for their future career - with support every step of the way from instructors, mentors, line managers and fellow apprentices.

By necessity, the role of fitter requires a very high level of quality control to maintain stringent safety and regulatory standards. Apprentices will need to develop a strong understanding of their employer’s processes and procedures to be compliant with these standards.

Within this programme, apprentices are given the choice between specialising in either a mechanical or electrical pathway, with plenty of information shared ahead of time to help them make this decision.

Training and development will continue after this programme, as apprentices move through the trainee and semi-skilled levels before ultimately qualifying as skilled workers. There will be the opportunity to specialise in either mechanical or electrical after initial training.

Assembly and installation fitter apprentice duties
- Actively participate in training sessions, examinations, and one-on-one meetings with tutors/assessors
- Engage in self-reflection on practice and experiences, incorporating feedback for continuous improvement
- Work on diverse products including vehicle installations, shelter construction and refurbishments
- Install modifications to equipment or parts
- Uphold high standards of quality throughout all tasks and responsibilities
- Manage time effectively, balancing requirements of coursework, assignments and exams
- Acquire the skills to construct shelter structures and become proficient in assembling subcomponents
- Integrate and install various common items of equipment
- Understand and interpret approved engineering data
- Develop skills in performing maintenance on equipment, including the refurbishment of shelters
Entry requirements
- GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent)
- Right to work in the UK and residency eligibility (required for funding)
- Must successfully pass all required medical and security checks

Level 3

Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeships are equivalent to A levels.

After completing the level 2 programme, the level 3 fitter apprenticeship is the ideal way for apprentices to take their careers to the next level, building their skills and developing their excellence, versatility, and precision and rising to meet the aviation industry's high standards.

Aircraft fitter

Our aircraft fitter apprenticeship programme is designed for individuals coming out of year 11 or year 13, or those looking for a complete change in career with no previous industry or technical experience. Marshall includes an assessment as part of the recruitment process to gauge potential and aptitude for the type of training being delivered.

Incorporating the level 2 Diploma in Aerospace & Aviation Engineering within its first year, this programme follows the level 3 Engineering Technician (Fixed and Rotary Wing) standard and can be completed within three years (though some businesses may need extra time to provide the experience required for the competence qualification).

In addition to their level 2 diploma, apprentices will also gain level 3 diplomas in Aircraft Maintenance (competence qualification) and On-Aircraft Maintenance Category A (technical knowledge qualification).

Apprentices will meet with assessors every six weeks to review and sign off on their competence qualification. Knowledge qualifications also involve a combination of day and block release learning, either in person or virtually.

Following completion of all qualifications, apprentices will then move into the end point assessment (EPA) period, which can take up to six months to complete.

Aircraft fitter apprentice duties
- Actively participate in training sessions, examinations, and one-on-one meetings with tutors/assessors
- Engage in self-reflection on practice and experiences, incorporating feedback for continuous improvement
- Execute repairs on airframe structures
- Perform scheduled aircraft maintenance and servicing
- Address unscheduled aircraft maintenance, including defect rectification for aircraft systems and components
- Undertake all levels of modifications to aircraft structures, systems and interiors
- Fulfil related duties, (operating ground equipment, assisting aircraft movements, participating in aircraft delivery)
- Manage time effectively, balancing requirements of coursework, assignments and exams
Entry requirements
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C/4-9 (or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and Science
- Must not have already completed other level 2 or level 3 qualifications offered by Marshall
- Right to work in the UK and residency eligibility (required for funding)
- Must successfully pass all required medical and security checks

Please note that individuals who already hold engineering (and specifically aeronautical) engineering qualifications may not be fully funded by the apprenticeship levy or eligible to join the programme at all. For further details, please get in touch with us directly.

Trainee aircraft fitter

This intensive programme condenses all qualifications from the level 3 apprenticeship into a two-and-a-half-year timeframe, providing an accelerated path compared to our traditional apprenticeship route. Upon completing all qualifications, trainees enter the end point assessment (EPA) period, which may take up to four months to complete.

Trainees will typically already have been employed in hands-on or engineering-related roles outside aerospace or aviation (for example, automotive, rail, trades or similar). Participants are expected to have a minimum of two years of industry experience and prior exposure to working with tools.

Applicants should already possess a fundamental understanding of health and safety practices in an engineering or related setting, as this will not be their initial foray into the workforce.

Given the expected level of experience, we expect quicker progression through tasks and written assignments. Furthermore, there will be less emphasis on soft skills training, behaviour development, workplace skills and PSHE.

Entry requirements
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C/4-9 (or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and Science
- Some proficiency in using hand tools
- A minimum of two years' experience in a hands-on role, engineering environment, or trade environment
- Must not have already completed other level 2 or level 3 qualifications offered by Marshall
- Right to work in the UK and residency eligibility (required for funding)
- Must successfully pass all required medical and security checks

Level 4

Level 4 (higher) apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, targeting school leavers coming out of year 13 or those looking for a complete change in careers with no previous industry or technical experience.

Aerospace engineering technician

The aerospace engineering technician apprenticeship programme is intended for individuals who are looking to enter engineering teams within an aerospace/aviation environment rather than working directly on aircraft.

Initially, the programme aims to quickly build the core skills and knowledge to conduct maintenance, repairs and modifications on a variety of aircraft, adhering to safety protocols, deadlines and budget constraints. Following the first year of the apprenticeship, the role will transition to an office-based position, with rotations across multiple teams serving as a stepping stone for eventually joining engineering and design functions.

Incorporating the level 2 Diploma in Aerospace & Aviation Engineering within its first year, this programme follows the level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician standard and can be completed within three to three and a half years (though some businesses may need extra time to provide the experience required for the competence qualification).

In addition to their level 2 diploma, apprentices will also gain a level 4 HNC in Engineering and a level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (competence qualification). The HNC will be delivered by a college local to the employer, with apprentices commencing this qualification in year two and completing it by the end of year three.

Following completion of all qualifications, apprentices will then move into the end point assessment (EPA) period, which can take up to six months to complete.

Aerospace engineering technician apprentice duties
- Actively participate in training sessions, examinations, and one-on-one meetings with tutors/assessors
- Engage in self-reflection on practice and experiences, incorporating feedback for continuous improvement
- Execute repairs to airframe structures, ensuring structural integrity
- Execute modifications to aircraft structures, systems, and interiors
- Collaborate with the shop floor to assess damage and design practical repair schemes
- Undertake all levels of modifications to aircraft structures, systems and interiors
- Fulfil related duties, (operating ground equipment, assisting aircraft movements, participating in aircraft delivery)
- Design modifications for airframe/avionic systems, employing computer-based design tools and prototyping
- Use specification data to design repairs (material selection, stress calculations and inspection requirements)
- Manage time effectively, balancing requirements of coursework, assignments and exams
- Work within a project team to translate requirements into deliverable products
Entry requirements
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C/4-9 (or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and Science
- Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A levels (preferably including Mathematics and Physics)
- Must not have already completed other level 2 or level 4 qualifications offered by Marshall
- Right to work in the UK and residency eligibility (required for funding)
- Must successfully pass all required medical and security checks

Apprentice support

The safety and wellbeing of our apprentices is a priority for the Marshall team - just as it is for the employers we work with. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and secure environment where everyone can thrive, learn, and succeed.

We regularly monitor apprentice progress and offer additional support when needed to ensure success: each apprentice is assigned a dedicated personal tutor who provides academic and pastoral support throughout their apprenticeship.

Our student support goes beyond classroom instruction, extending to academic guidance, personal tutoring and mentoring to help students navigate through their studies effectively. Whether it's addressing learning difficulties, mental health issues, or career aspirations, student support plays a pivotal role in nurturing individuals' potential, boosting their confidence, and facilitating their growth as well-rounded, capable individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.

At the heart of our student support lies a commitment to creating an environment where every student feels safe, valued, heard, and equipped to achieve their goals. We prioritise mental health by raising awareness and providing resources to support the emotional wellbeing of our apprentices. 80% of the team are qualified Mental Health First Aiders and are on hand to offer initial support, listen without judgement and signpost further help where needed.

At Marshall, we believe that safeguarding is a shared responsibility between the team, apprentice employers, apprentices, parents and the wider community. Our robust safeguarding practices encompass various aspects, ensuring that every apprentice feels safe, respected, and supported throughout their journey.

Together, we create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and safe. Our commitment to safeguarding practices enables apprentices to focus on their learning, personal development, and future success.

In the event of any safeguarding questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our designated safeguarding team:

Raise a safeguarding question

View our safeguarding and welfare policies