Apprenticeship
Are you in your last year of school or college? Maybe you're already working and looking to change careers. Success is ensured by the
Chelton Apprenticeship!
By working for Chelton, you can help shape the products we provide to the aerospace and defence industries. You’ll be working with industry leaders and experts in a collaborative, cutting-edge technological environment.
We recruit roles such as Engineering Apprenticeships to work in one of our business units; Antennas or Avionics.
what to expect
You are going to get all the training, qualifications and support you need to create highly effective and efficient products.
You’ll combine on-the-job training with college based learning as you study towards nationally-recognised qualifications – all fully sponsored.
Your unique perspective will be valued as you are welcomed into a friendly, inclusive culture. A place where you can thrive, be your best and feel like you belong.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 ARE NOW CLOSED
Duration: 3 year Engineering Apprenticeship
Qualifications: Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering and Level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Development Competence
What you get:Â
- £19,000 starting salary
- Annual discretionary bonus
- Debt-free qualifications
- Paid college travel expenses
- Company benefits
- Excellent career prospects
- On-site part subsidised restaurant and more
APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 ARE NOW OPEN
Apply for the 2025 intake of Engineering Apprenticeship with your CV and covering letter.
Start Date: September 2025
Duration: 3 year Engineering Apprenticeship
Qualifications: Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering and Level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Development Competence
What you get:Â
- £19,000 starting salary
- Annual discretionary bonus
- Debt-free qualifications
- Paid college travel expenses
- Company benefits
- Excellent career prospects
- On-site part subsidised restaurant and more
Apprentices Then & Now
Discover the inspiring stories of our apprentices-turned-employees who have flourished within Chelton. Witness their remarkable growth, achievements, and lasting contributions.
When did you join Chelton?
I joined in 2012.
What apprenticeship did you complete?
Craft/Engineering Apprenticeship
What areas of the business did you work in during your apprenticeship?
Avionics Operations, Antenna Operations, ESG, DMS and Aftermarket.
What made you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I didn’t complete my A-levels fully because, although I could excel in practical elements of learning, I couldn’t show this in the exam phase. The apprenticeship allowed me to gain understanding through courses but allowed for the hands on aspect, all while getting paid – the best of both worlds.
What were the advantages of completing an apprenticeship rather than going to university?
For the span of the apprenticeship you are on a learning curve. During the time you are exposed to a fast paced business which is full of supportive people. If you are willing to get stuck in, you have the opportunity to learn everything you need to become an invaluable member of a team.
What role are you in now?
Procurement Manager Â
Why do you think others should do an apprenticeship?
Year on year you gain ‘real world’ knowledge of how a business works, from a large range of different points of view. Where possible, the business will support the career path you want to take and sets you up for the best possible chance to achieve your goals.
What are the reasons you have continued your career at Chelton?
There are multiple reasons including:
- People
- Progression Opportunities
- Every day is different and presents a new challenge
- Fast paced environment
- Business has supported me
When did you join Chelton?
I joined Chelton in September 2009, I was part of the first ever intake of apprentices of what was then Cobham Antenna Systems in Marlow.
What apprenticeship did you complete?
The apprenticeship then was an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering.
What areas of the business did you work in during your apprenticeship?
During the three year apprenticeship I had the opportunity to work in several departments across the business. During my first year I worked on the shop floor in Antenna Production. I worked on the assembly of several different products, including ACAS, TCAS and TAS. In the final two years I had the opportunity to work in several areas within Engineering; including Materials, Â Drawing Office and Antenna Design.
What made you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I chose the apprenticeship route as I preferred learning through practical ‘hands-on’ experience, this method also allows you to learn from people with a number of years’ experience in their specific field. This, combined with day release to college, was what appealed to me.
What were the advantages of completing an apprenticeship rather than going to university?
Again, the apprenticeship route offers the chance to work alongside people with a number of years of industry experience, having the opportunity to tap into this knowledge is priceless. The apprenticeship also offered the opportunity to work within a number of areas across the business, essentially allowing me to experience different roles over the course of the apprenticeship, helping me to determine what specific area of the business I wanted to work within once I had completed the course.
What role are you in now?
Business Unit Manager for Avionics.
Why do you think others should do an apprenticeship?
The opportunity to gain hands on experience combined with academic study offers a great starting point to any career, specifically once within engineering. Â
What are the reasons you have continued your career at Chelton?
The continued development and career progression opportunities that have been offered to me since finishing the apprenticeship has been the main reason why my career with Chelton has continued. Chelton Marlow is one of unique businesses that has a number of functions all on one site, including design, manufacture and test capabilities, these types of business within aerospace are becoming pretty unique, having the opportunity to work in such an environment is still very much appealing to me.
