Spring Fabrication Engineering Apprentice

An exciting opportunity to join NEMA Ltd as a Spring Fabrication Engineering Apprentice. You will manufacture precision sheet metal and wire-formed components for aerospace applications while completing your Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship.

Wage

• Competitive wage offered
• Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

• Engineering technician (level 3)

Hours

• 4 day working week. Monday - Thursday, Flexible hours between 6.00am - 5.30pm
• 37 hours a week

Start date

• Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

• 4 years

Positions available

• 1

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

The role will involve the production of small precision-manufactured components from sheet metal and formed wire. You will work with both manual and semi-automatic machinery to produce high-quality aerospace components.

You will develop skills in:

• Sheet metal fabrication
• Wire forming and spring production (compression and tension springs)
• Operating fly presses
• Operating power presses
• Using auto-coiling machinery
• Working with aerospace grade materials
• Inspecting components to strict quality standards
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings

Examples of products you will manufacture include:

• Brackets for aircraft landing gear systems
• Shims and washers for locking rivets on Airbus A320/A319 wings and fuselage
• Compression and tension springs for precision assemblies and actuators
• Wire forms for aircraft seating systems
• Electrical steel laminations used in stators and electrical assemblies
• Sheet metal fabrications for onboard aircraft filtration systems

All components are produced to exacting aerospace tolerances where precision, consistency and attention to detail are critical.

Where you'll work

• Unit 16, Chichester Business Centre
• Chichester Street
• Rochdale
• OL16 2AU

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

• ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Training course

• Engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Obtaining, checking and using the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation)
• Working safely at all times, complying with health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements planning and where applicable obtaining all the resources required to undertake the work activity
• Undertaking the work activity using the correct processes, procedures and equipment
• Carrying out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment
• Dealing promptly and effectively with engineering/manufacturing problems within the limits of their responsibility using approved diagnostic methods and techniques and report those which cannot be resolved to the appropriate personnel
• Completing any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity
• Restoring the work area on completion of the activity and where applicable return any resources and consumables to the appropriate location
• Read and interpret relevant data and documentation used to manufacture aerospace components/systems
• Assemble and disassemble aerospace mechanical components, sub-assemblies and whole systems (new and in service) as required measure and mark out of materials to carry out precision machining and hand fitting processes
• Precision drilling and finishing of holes in aircraft assemblies use mechanical and or electrical/electronic measuring and or test equipment used on aircraft assemblies and systems
• Apply assembly techniques (such as mechanical fasteners, welding and bonding techniques)
• Use sealing and jointing techniques: use of seals, gaskets, and jointing materials contribute to the business by identifying possible opportunities for improving working practices, processes and/or procedures
• Assemble, disassemble and install aerospace components, sub-assemblies and whole systems (new and in service) as required such as wiring looms, anti-icing systems, electrical connectors, avionic units and using specified methods and procedures
• Set up and use a range of measuring, testing, diagnostic tools, rigs and equipment, using approved methods and procedures install lighting, power supplies, engine control and instrumentation systems
• Carry out testing and diagnostic activities on installed components, equipment and systems and making adjustment/rectification where applicable
• Carry out precision drilling and finishing of holes in aerospace assemblies apply correct locking and securing methods and techniques (mechanical fasteners, locking and electrical bonding techniques)
• Use sealing and jointing techniques: use of seals, gaskets, and jointing materials install and connect pipe-work systems and aerospace assemblies
• Contribute to the business by identifying possible opportunities for improving working practices, processes and/or procedures
• Read and interpret relevant data and documentation used to maintain aircraft components and systems
• Select and use the correct hand and mechanical tools and equipment while carrying out maintenance of aircraft apply human factors in aviation – attitudes and behaviours to ensure aviation safety
• Use mechanical and electrical measuring and or test equipment while carrying out aircraft maintenance activities
• Carry out aircraft functional checks and fault diagnosis e.g. electrical bonding and earthing; flight control rigging
• Use ground support equipment
• Identify, control, repair and prevent damage, fatigue and corrosion of aircraft components
• Maintain power-plant (piston or turbine engines), propellers or rotors
• Use the correct bonding and assembly techniques e.g. in composite assembly
• Carry out precision drilling and finishing of holes in aircraft assemblies
• Identify and install mechanical fasteners
• Use sealing and jointing techniques: use of seals, gaskets and jointing techniques
• Assemble, repair and replace pipe work for aircraft and engine systems
• Inspect, repair, remove and replace aircraft structures, components, sub-assemblies and systems
• Undertake aircraft flight-line handling and operations
• Carry out testing and diagnostic activities on components, sub – assemblies or whole systems, making adjustments/rectifications where applicable
• Maintain aerospace components, sub – assemblies or whole systems as required undertake aircraft role configuration activities/requirements
• Prepare and maintain the aircraft maintenance programme
• Apply Human Factors in aviation – developing attitudes and behaviours to ensure aviation safety
• Maintain relationships between the aircraft operator and the aircraft maintenance organisation recognising the regulatory responsibilities of both parties
• Use relevant computer software, information systems and documentation necessary to carry out the role
• Use asset and inventory management systems within a continuing airworthiness environment