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 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.
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 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 a Procurement 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.
We’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make an impact in aerospace.
To join our programme, you’ll need:
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:
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.
Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:
1. Apply online by completing our application form, including a few pre-screening questions.
2. Take part in an online assessment if you meet the initial eligibility criteria. Once you've been sent the link you will have 7 days or until 21st July to complete it whichever comes sooner.
3. Meet one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human!) for a virtual interview if you’re successful at the assessment stage. To be held before 31st July.
4. Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol, to be held on Wednesday 5th August. This is where you will get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
5. Begin your journey with us in September 2026, as part of our Global Graduate Programme.
Further information on our Global Graduate Programme can be found on the FAQs section on our careers website: FAQs - GKN Careers
Advert closing date: Thursday 16th July (we recommend submitting your application without delay).
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.
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, with a mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace designs, manufactures and delivers an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies – for use in commercial and defense aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to the most advanced fighter aircraft. In line with its mission, GKN Aerospace is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, electrical wiring interconnection systems and innovative engine systems help to reduce emissions and weight on today’s aircraft, while it collaborates with global partners to accelerate the development of zero-emission aircraft technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aerostructures and engine systems, with 16,000 employees across its 36 manufacturing locations in 12 countries.
