Rolls-Royce Switch into Aerospace Engineering Advanced Programme (Defence) - Bristol, UK

Job Description

Rolls-Royce Switch into Aerospace Engineering Programme (Defence)

Duration: Typically 4 – 4.5 years

Starting salary: Competitive

Location: Bristol

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.  

By joining Rolls-Royce on the Switch into Aerospace Engineering programme, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.

Are you looking for something different? Have you ever considered what it takes to assemble aerospace engines or make parts using the latest manufacturing technology and processes? Perhaps you’ve never thought this type of work was for you? It’s time to change that thinking – and invest in your future with Switch into Aerospace Engineering in Bristol within our Defence division.

On this career development programme, you’ll get our full support and expert training to discover what we know you’re capable of. Along with the qualifications and confidence to become an Aerospace Fitter or Machinist in our state-of-the-art facilities, you could be earning a salary of over £39,000 after the successful completion of your Switch programme.

What you’ll be doing:

Through Switch into Aerospace Engineering, you’ll train and get experience as an Aerospace Fitter and a Machinist – you’ll then be aligned to role to finish your training.

Forget what you think you know about ‘factory’ environments. At Rolls-Royce, our facilities are open and modern – spaces you’ll enjoy being in every day. 

• Aerospace Fitter: Learn to assemble aircraft engines using a range of tools and technical instructions. It’ll be your job to make sure the components and the way they’re assembled meet the high standards we demand.
• Machinist: This is precision work, making components from specialist materials using world-class machinery. Measuring and checking they’re exactly right for our requirements too.

How it works:

Year one
For the first few weeks, you’ll get to know Rolls-Royce and the people who’ll be with you throughout your programme. This includes a mentor and your fellow ‘Switchers’. From there, you’ll split your time each week as follows.

• Four days a week based at our Filton site in Bristol, where you’ll develop practical skills to enable you to achieve your Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations qualification.
• One day a week you’ll be studying for your Knowledge qualification (EAL Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations) where you’ll attend classes and develop your digital skills and Engineering knowledge.
• You will have two extended work placements on site in Bristol to give you insights into the roles available for you to choose in Year two.
• Where required, you’ll start some of your days (07:45–09:15) at Weston College studying and improving your skills in Maths and/or English.

Year two

You’ll be aligned to an Aerospace Fitter or Machinist apprentice role. You’ll spend more time at your training provider where you’ll continue to develop both your academic knowledge and practical skills.

This will be combined with spending time on site at a Rolls-Royce facility, developing your workplace skills and working on parts that go into our world-class aircraft engines. You’ll get half a day each week to meet with your mentor, discuss your progress, work on personal skills and get any extra support you need to succeed.

Year three and four

You’ll work four days a week on site in your role, learning on the job. One day a week will be spent at your training provider, studying the academic qualifications required for your Level 3 apprenticeship.

Who we’re looking for:

We’re not concerned about your formal qualifications or your current job title - what matters most is that you bring real-world work experience and are ready to apply it in a new and meaningful way.

Do you:

• Enjoy hands on practical tasks
• Use your initiative and manage your time effectively
• Have strong problem-solving skills
• Work well in a team environment?

If you've spent time in the workforce and are looking for a fresh challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

This programme requires hard work and lots of learning. If you’re offered a place, we’ll support you to achieve the equivalent of a GCSE in Maths and English. We’re looking for people who are capable and committed to learning at this level.

What’s more important than anything, however, is an interest in the work we do and an eagerness to develop.

So, if you like the idea of a job that gives you fantastic colleagues, great long-term progression, and the opportunity to play a part in our world-leading work – it’s time to Switch.

What we offer:

• Expert training and recognised qualifications
• A career you can progress in
• Plenty of support throughout
• Annual pay rises and pension scheme
• 33 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays 
• a choice of voluntary benefits including discounted healthcare and free digital GP, dental care, life insurance, discounts at nationwide stores, gyms, Cycle to Work scheme, and more all available on our TotalReward portal
• Access to an independent, 24-hour, confidential counselling service

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too. 

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive. 

Closing date: 14th November 2025

 
We reserve the right to close the job advert early dependent on application volumes. 

Assessment centres will take place between November - December   

How to apply

You don’t need a CV. Just click apply and complete our online application. It’s a simple form that asks about you – your interests, life experiences and what you enjoy.

Programme

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