GKN Aerospace Global Graduate Programme (Operations)

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

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. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

What You'll Be Doing

Start your career shaping the future of aerospace — in a place where you’ll feel supported, inspired, and encouraged to grow.

At GKN Aerospace, we’re a global community, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to design and build the next generation of aerospace technologies. As a graduate, you’ll join an inclusive and international team, gain hands-on experience, and grow your career in an environment where your ideas are valued, your voice is heard, and your contributions make a real difference.

Our two-year Operations Graduate Programme at Filton is designed to give you variety, guidance, and the confidence to build a strong foundation for your future career. You’ll complete functional placements across key areas of the business, developing expertise while strengthening your collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership skills — all essential to becoming one of our future leaders.

Throughout your placements, you’ll gain exposure to leadership development, operations management, supply chain management, customer and demand management, quality control and governance, and people management, among many other areas. This breadth of experience will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in a complex and fast-paced aerospace environment.

Whether you see your future as an Operations Manager, or an executive helping to shape our business, you’ll have access to wide-ranging opportunities that match your interests and ambitions. With guidance from mentors and colleagues, you’ll take on real projects, tackle meaningful challenges, and contribute to positive change in the way we operate.

From day one, you’ll take part in a structured onboarding and development journey, supported by a mentor, buddy, and our Global Graduate Community, giving you encouragement, guidance, and opportunities to build your network.

Beyond your core role, you’ll also have the chance to contribute to community projects, STEM outreach, and our early careers strategy — because at GKN Aerospace, we believe in making a positive difference together.

What You'll Bring

We’re Looking For Curious, Motivated Graduates Who Want To Make An Impact In Aerospace. To Join Our Programme, You’ll Need

• Enthusiasm, creativity, and passion – with the drive to grow into a future leader and technical expert.
• A 2.1 degree, achieved within the last two years, in any discipline (STEM subjects are preferred but not essential)
• An interest in how operations and manufacturing environments work, and a willingness to learn.
• A genuine interest in aerospace – and excitement about the role it plays in shaping the future of our world
  
  

What We'll Offer

At the heart of everything we do are our five culture principles: Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, and Ownership. Safety always comes first, but so does your growth, wellbeing, and future. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join us:

• A 24-month programme with a guaranteed permanent role when you finish.
• Varied and rewarding placements across different projects, programmes, and locations.
• The chance to work on innovative technologies that inspire change and shape the future of aerospace.
• Opportunities for international exposure and collaboration.
• A structured development journey designed to help you discover your strengths.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Home Manager, mentor, and buddy throughout your programme.
• A starting salary of £31,000, plus a £1,500 joining bonus and a generous benefits package.
• High visibility across the business — from sites and locations to customers and senior stakeholders.
• Ambassador opportunities to inspire others as a STEM ambassador.
• A welcoming global graduate community — a network of peers, friends, and future leaders.
  
  

We’ll support your career progression by providing you with the learning, development, and flexibility to thrive. And because we’re a global business, your career could take you further than you imagined.

What to Expect in the Selection Process

Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:

• Apply online by completing our application form, including a few pre-screening questions.
• Take part in an online assessment if you meet the initial eligibility criteria.
• Meet one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human!) for a virtual interview if you’re successful at the assessment stage.
• Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol to be held in February, where you’ll get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
• Begin your journey with us in September 2026, as part of our Graduate Programme.
  
  

Further information on our Global Graduate Programme can be found on the FAQs section on our careers website: FAQs - GKN Careers

Closing date: To be confirmed (we recommend submitting your application without delay).

We all make things fly

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?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

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.

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.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.