Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship, Dowty 2027 intake

Location: Gloucester, United Kingdom

Job Description Summary

As a Quality Practitioner Apprentice you will work within the Quality department which oversees various aspects of our Quality Management System. Quality plays a key role to ensure our products are consistent, improve our manufacturing processes and ensure customer confidence. You will cover topics such as quality management systems, internal auditing, root cause analysis and process performance. Your new skills will enable our organisation to continue the manufacture of propellers for large aircraft, including the C130J Hercules. You will study online to obtain a Quality Practitioner Level 4 with Clear Quality, and also complete some engineering topics at GET – Gloucestershire Engineering Training. Participants graduate with a Level 4 Certificate recognised by the Quality Institute (CQI).

Job Description

Are you ready to see your future take flight? At GE Aerospace, we are advancing aviation technologies for today and tomorrow. Your work will contribute to the production of advanced jet engines, components, and integrated systems that power commercial and military aircraft. You’ll be part of a team that embraces your drive, your curiosity, and your unique ideas and perspectives.  Most importantly, you’ll share in our pride and purpose that affects the lives of millions around the world!

This opportunity is offered at Dowty, a GE Aerospace business based in Brockworth site.

Dowty, a GE Aerospace company, is based in Gloucestershire. It is a world-leading supplier of electronically controlled, composite propeller systems for A wide range of civil and military applications, including commercial airliners and military airlifters to multi-role seaplanes and marine hovercraft.

Key programs include the Lockheed Martin C-130J, the De-Haviland, Dash 8-400 and the Leonardo C-27J.

Operated by a highly skilled workforce, Dowty’s’ in-house production expertise for composite blades includes application of resin transfer moulding processes, which have been continuously evolved and perfected since 1976; and the use of braiding machines that rapidly and accurately apply the blades’ fibre outer layers.

Role Description

As a Quality Practitioner you will support the Quality department in maintaining compliance with AS9100D, Part 145, and Part 21G requirements while developing practical skills in aviation quality assurance, audit support, and continuous improvement.

You will

• Assist with internal audits and compliance monitoring activities across QMS and SMS functions
• Support supply chain Quality in shop floor Quality Control activities
• Support Corrective Action Planning, tracking, and closure verification
• Help maintain document control records and ensure version accuracy
• Support data entry and analysis for quality metrics and trend reporting
• Assist with preparation of audit packs and evidence gathering for Regulatory oversight
• Participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement activities

You will be supported by your line manager, plus placement managers, mentors, and the wider apprentice network, to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your course and getting the most out of your apprenticeship.

Overview of the scheme

Length of Program: 2 years plus End Point Assessment, up to 6 months completion of EPA.

The first year is online work-based training with Clear Quality, where you will undertake monthly tutor-led lessons for each module. After each session, learners complete an assignment designed to apply their learning within the workplace. Concurrently you will be assigned some engineering topics to be completed at college with GET Engineering Training. You will have up to 2 years to complete all the training, plus EPA time. You will based in the workplace fulltime whilst you are training which will assist you in completing your assignments.

As you progress through the years you will become a more integrated member of the team, taking on more responsibilities in your department and within the apprenticeship community.

Qualifications/Requirements

Please ensure you have achieved or are predicted these grades or above as these are the minimum requirements to join this apprenticeship. Failure to meet these grades could mean you are not eligible to join the programme.

Essential

A successful candidate would have, or be expected to achieve by the start of the apprenticeship:

Achieved or predicted 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or equivalent, including Mathematics, English.

Desired Characteristics

Pass in a Science subject.

Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn regulatory frameworks

Able to roll up your sleeves and get involved in projects

Organised & able to work towards deadlines

Inspired and curious to learn

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Able to take ownership for projects

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Able to work as part of a team

Interest in aerospace, aviation, or manufacturing quality systems

Recruitment Process

As part of our recruitment process, you will be required to submit an initial CV application. After this, the stages include a video interview and assessment centre. Our recruitment team will be in touch with you at every stage to keep you updated and understand what is next in the process.

If you require any adjustments to the process to enable you to be at your best, please email the team via [email protected].

Please only submit one application. If you submit multiple applications, we will progress the most suitable one. If in future you are deemed to be suitable for other opportunities, we will automatically consider you for these too.

Please note our applications will close on Sunday 1st November but may close earlier dependant on application volumes. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Total Reward

At G