London Gatwick has opened applications for its 2026 engineering apprenticeship programme to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week. The programme provides four new opportunities across electro/mechanical and heavy vehicle engineering pathways.
Applications are open from 10 February to 2 March, with successful candidates due to begin their apprenticeships in mid-August. The airport is recruiting three electro/mechanical apprentices and one heavy vehicle apprentice to join engineering teams supporting operations at the UK’s busiest single-runway airport.
Dave White, Apprentice Development Lead, London Gatwick said:Opening applications for our apprenticeship programme is always a special moment. London Gatwick is an extraordinary place to learn – no two days are the same and our apprentices work with an impressive range of systems and technology, gaining invaluable experience.
These programmes give people the skills, confidence and professional qualifications to build long‑term engineering careers. We’re passionate about developing future talent and helping people take their first steps into a truly rewarding profession. We can’t wait to welcome the next cohort later this year.
The electro/mechanical route is a four-year programme starting at Level 3, with apprentices progressing to a Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in engineering in the final two years. Graduates complete the scheme with Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications and Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration. The heavy vehicle pathway runs for three years at Level 3 and leads to professional membership on completion.
Apprentices will gain hands-on experience maintaining specialist systems and equipment across the airport estate, working alongside experienced engineers and technical teams.
Owen Pugh, third year apprentice, London Gatwick said:Applying for this apprenticeship was one of the best decisions I have made. At London Gatwick, you gain hands-on experience on a wide range of engineering practices. You get the opportunity to work with many engineering teams such as the airfield lighting team to the specialist systems team. We get the opportunity to study as well as gain experience and knowledge from expert engineers. If you enjoy working practically, problem-solving and working with an amazing team I would highly recommend applying!
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Gatwick is also running outreach activities in local schools and hosting its third on-site Apprenticeship Fair. More than 300 places have been booked for the event, which will feature over 15 employers from across the airport community, including airlines, construction firms, hospitality, retail and transport operators. The fair will include employer stands, talks and interactive sessions led by current apprentices and recent graduates.
