Early Careers, Outreach and Apprenticeship Manager

Job Description: Job Description: Early Careers, Outreach and Apprenticeship Manager Permanent Oxford About our team... Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer and the company’s site at Oxford Airport is Britain’s civil helicopter hub. AHUK offers considerable experience in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance and spares support. Its in-house engineering capabilities include design, customisation, installation, flight-testing and certification, as well as technical support, maintenance, training and the supply of spares for civil and military applications. AHUK is the MoD’s chosen provider of helicopters and maintenance for its No.1 Helicopter Flying school (referred to as MFTS) located in RAF Shawbury (Shropshire) and RAF Valley (Anglesey). Description/Overall purpose of the Job This role serves as the architect of the Airbus Helicopters UK (AHUK) talent pipeline across all three major sites, bridging the gap between classroom learning and aerospace leadership. You will provide end-to-end oversight of the apprenticeship lifecycle for both Engineering and Business Support, ensuring programs remain compliant with industry standards while maximising the Apprenticeship Levy. By serving as the primary liaison between external training providers and internal stakeholders, you ensure that every learner, from a first-year apprentice to a high-potential manager, receives the mentorship and professional development necessary to sustain the future of aviation. Beyond operational management, the position drives long-term workforce growth through proactive outreach and elite leadership training. You will design and lead school engagement initiatives to inspire the next generation of STEM talent, while simultaneously supporting the management of the Airbus Leadership Academy to cultivate current high-potential employees. Success in this role requires a ‘coach mindset’ and high emotional intelligence to navigate complex project management tasks, identify emerging skills gaps, and present a clear, 12-month completion pipeline of engineering talent to the senior leadership team. Main responsibilities Early Careers, Outreach & Apprenticeship Management Program Oversight: Lead the end-to-end apprenticeship lifecycle for Engineering and Support functions at AHUK (Finance, HR, Procurement, etc.). Leadership Development (Strategic Growth): Support the Head of Training and HR with the delivery of the Airbus Leadership Development Programme, moving toward full ownership. This includes identifying high-potential talent and designing modules for management excellence. Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for external training providers, colleges, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and Abingdon and Witney College and Engineering Bicester Mentorship & Performance: Monitor apprentice progress, conducting regular reviews and ensuring they meet both academic and operational milestones. Compliance: Ensure all apprenticeship and leadership programs meet UK government standards and internal Airbus global benchmarks. UK Apprenticeship & Levy Management Strategic Oversight: Manage the delivery of both Engineering and Business Support function apprenticeships. Levy Optimisation: Act as the subject matter expert for the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy, ensuring maximum ROI and compliance with ESFA funding rules. Provider Relations: Select and manage relationships with external training providers such as Resource Group, Baines Simmons and colleges to ensure high-quality curriculum delivery that meets aviation standards. Early Careers & Outreach School Outreach: Design and lead the AHUK School Outreach Programme to inspire interest in aerospace and STEM careers. Work Experience: Standardise and manage the intake process for work experience students, ensuring a meaningful, safe, and compliant learning environment. Careers Engagement: Represent AHUK at national and local career events, building a strong employer brand within the Oxfordshire innovation hub. Airbus Leadership Academy Leadership Development: Oversee the tiered Leadership and Management Programme, ensuring content aligns with Airbus global standards while meeting local UK operational needs. Talent Pipeline: Identify high-potential early careers talent and map their progression into the Leadership Academy pathways whilst ensuring the pipeline of engineering apprentices are communicated to the senior leadership team 12 months prior to completion. Knowledge and Skills Essential The Coach Mindset: Ability to inspire both an apprentice and a senior manager. Strategic Vision: Capacity to see the "big picture" of the AHUK workforce and identify where the next skills gaps will emerge. High Emotional Intelligence: Critical for navigating the leadership development and professional coaching aspects of the role. Project management: Ability to manage multiple programmes and projects at one time. Desirable Qualification in delivering aviation based training (e.g. Human Factors), Leadership programmes and formal PTTLS qualification or teaching training qualification or equivalent. Education, Qualifications or Training Essential Curriculum Development: Have previous experience in updating and maintaining training materials to reflect the latest Airbus Helicopter technologies Training Experience: Proven track record in early careers, outreach and apprenticeship management across multiple locations Management Background: Experience managing people or programs, specifically within an apprenticeship or corporate L&D (Learning & Development) framework. Desirable Technical Instruction / Training Delivery: Conduct theoretical and practical Part-147 training sessions for B1 (Turbine) maintenance categories. Additional requirements Due to the nature of this position you will require a DBS check and be eligible for Security clearance (SC). Applicants must meet any/all requirements of Export Compliance Regulations. All candidates must possess the current, legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Airbus will not be able to offer sponsorship for any employment Visa's. The Reward In joining the Airbus family, you will play a critical part in delivering the most efficient helicopters for its customers, who serve, protect, save lives and carry passengers in demanding environments. On top of your competitive base salary, you will have access to the following benefits below via our Airbus salary sacrifice schemes: Private Medical Insurance (Bupa) – single cover for employees paid by the company Pension: Employees are auto-enrolled into the Airbus Group UK Retirement Fund. Initially, AH contributes 6%, employee 4% basic Share Incentive Plan and ESOP. Annual share schemes at company discretion. Success Share, Discretionary Group bonus scheme (conditions apply) Bikes to Work (up to £3,000) (employee purchase scheme) Technology ( employee purchase scheme) Mydrive (employee car purchase scheme) Den-Plan (employee purchase scheme) Health-care Cash Scheme Personal Accident Insurance (employee purchase scheme) Health Assessments Travel Insurance Shopping vouchers/discounts Financial/Legal Advice (eg, Will-writing; Lasting Power of Attorney) Data Protection By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth. Company: Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd Employment Type: Permanent ------- Experience Level: Professional Job Family: Training support & services By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [email protected]. At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. From sending your resume to participating in successful interviews, here you can access all important pieces of information to guide you in your candidate journey. 👉 Learn more