Global Graduate Programme

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 £ There are no limits to where you can take your career.

What You'll Be Doing

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.

During your placements you will be working as part of a global team, giving you the opportunity to experience different cultures and work with a diverse range of people. Rotations at our Manufacturing Sites in Luton and Isle of Wight, and with our Business Line team will aim to equip you with the experience and skills to progress to a Programme Management role at the end of the scheme. Choosing GKN Aerospace means you are joining a global engineering network with wide-ranging opportunities.

Throughout your graduate journey, we give you the opportunity to test and grow your technical and personal skills. During your placements you will collaborate as part of a multi-functional team, often supported by the broader business group from multiple locations, offering you the chance to support day to day Defence
Programme Management
across both
New Product Introduction (NPI) and steady state programmes and a placement within Commercial.
We Provide Support And Mentoring As You Work On Real Projects, Solving Real Problems And Delivering Real Change. We Aim To Match Your Capabilities And Aspirations To Our Strategic And Operational Needs – Ensuring a Thriving Business For Us And Fulfilling Career For You. As Part Of Our Programme Management Graduate Programme You Can Expect The Following

• Review and analyse control and monitoring of progress, scope, and cost and resource management within the programme.
• Support the compiling and follow up work breakdown structure, organisation breakdown structure, and cost breakdown structure schedules/ plans for the programme.
• Introducing improvements/ recoveries on on-time delivery and quality from Customer Scorecards and delivery schedule adherence
• Preparing and analysing the Programme Performance Summary
• Support risk, opportunity and change management
• Input into Programme Improvement Plans including cost improvement, pricing initiatives, enable Zero Defects Manufacturing, redesign initiatives, gaining agreement with relevant stakeholders

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.

What You'll Bring

We're Looking For Curious, Motivated Graduates Who Want To Make An Impact In Aerospace. To Join Our Programme, You'll Need

• An ability for sound judgement and decision making, able to work with teams and across cultures
• A degree in any relevant Engineering discipline or Manufacturing/Business Management (2.1 or higher), achieved within the last two years.
• An interest in the Aerospace and Defence industry, the role it plays in shaping the future of our world

What We'll Offer

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:

• A 24-month programme with a guaranteed permanent role when you finish.
• Varied and rewarding placements across different projects, programmes, and locations.
• The chance to work on innovative technologies that inspire change and shape the future of aerospace.
• Opportunities for international exposure and collaboration.
• A structured development journey designed to help you discover your strengths.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Home Manager, mentor, and buddy throughout your programme.
• A starting salary of £31,000, plus a £1,500 joining bonus and a generous benefits package.
• High visibility across the business — from sites and locations to customers and senior stakeholders.
• Ambassador opportunities to inspire others as a STEM ambassador.
• A welcoming global graduate community — a network of peers, friends, and future leaders.

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.

Please note: This opportunity is part of GKN Aerospace Defence business. Due to regulatory requirements, some programmes may have nationality restrictions. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide relevant information to ensure compliance.

What to Expect in the Selection Process

Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:

• Apply online by completing our application form, including a few pre-screening questions.
• Take part in an online assessment if you meet the initial eligibility criteria.
• Meet one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human) for a virtual interview if you're successful at the assessment stage.
• Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol to be held in February, where you'll get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
• Begin your journey with us in September 2026, as part of our Graduate Programme.

Further information on our Global Graduate Programme can be found on the FAQs section on our careers website: FAQs - GKN Careers

Closing date: we recommend submitting your application without delay).

We all make things fly
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.