Skilled Point of Use Operator (NVQ Training Opportunity) (East Cowes, GB)

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.

Job Summary

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS - 30th APRIL 2025

Continued growth in our programmes has created a number of exciting training opportunities for appropriately qualified personnel; looking to utilise their previous experience and skilled status as Woodworkers or Carpenters to train as skilled Point of Use Operators.

Successful applicants will join our in-house 12-18 month training programme, which will provide on the job training and development across a wide range of manufacturing processes within various production areas.

Role Purpose

The role of the Point of use Operator is to maintain production requirements on a variety of contracts to meet customer, quality and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities (some examples of key tasks – this list is not exhaustive)

Machining and cutting materials such as Honeycomb/foam/Tufnol Production of tooling Wood machining Composite bonding Load and unload Autoclave, press, and oven. (including thermocouple and Vac pipe connection) Set program on computer/controller and cure component. Check and verify cures. (final acceptance by approved inspector) Ensure component/material tractability is maintained Cut composite plies/laminates using Desitech and Lectra cutting machines. Liaise with engineering part programmers and supervision on all new contracts General housekeeping and control of limited life composite materials within the Desitech clean area.

Job Qualifications

Suitable applicants must be able to demonstrate:

Essential

Applicants must have served a recognised 2-4 year apprenticeship in a woodworking or carpentry background. Applications for this opportunity must be supported by appropriate signed Indentures of Apprenticeship (where applicable) and/or certification in relevant qualifications such as City & Guilds or NVQ. Displays a safety first mind-set at all times Good level of literacy and numeracy Be able to demonstrate high level of attention to detail Working as part of a close team, communication, flexibility and availability to work all shift patterns and overtime as required, is essential for these roles.

Desirable

Previous experience within the aerospace and or manufacturing industry would be an advantage Hold forklift/PED Stacker license

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. ​ ​