Let your career take flight
Apprenticeships
An Ontic apprenticeship gives you technical training that’s second to none, while supporting you with important life skills outside of work, as you take the first step in your career.
Offering technical and degree apprenticeships, our programs provide our apprentices with a breadth of skills other employers can't because of the nature of our high mix, low volume business model.
97.5%
first-time Apprenticeship pass rate (sector average: 81%)
95%
of our apprentices love working with us so much that they join us permanently after their apprenticeship ends.
35
apprentices currently in role
- Mechanical Apprenticeships
- Electronic Apprenticeships
- UK Qualification Options
Mechanical Apprenticeships
Our Mechanical Apprenticeships focus on our hydraulic and pneumatic product lines. Everything from Thrust Reverser Actuation Systems (the pneumatic mechanism that pushes the brake flaps up on the plane) for EasyJet to the hydraulic systems that power Central Processing Units for the French Air Force.
Our mechanical apprenticeships are only available at our Staverton and Creedmoor sites.
Why Choose An Ontic Apprenticeship?
Our apprentices work on an exciting mix of civil and military projects for global customers, such as Boeing and Airbus. We manufacture a variety of electro-mechanical, hydraulic, electronic and avionic parts and you can choose which to specialize in.
The nature of our product mix means that our apprentices get to learn a wider variety of skills than typical apprentices in our industry. You will spend the majority of your first year with our local education partners but will also spend plenty of time on site with us so that you feel part of Team Ontic and learn the Ontic-specific skills you’ll need going forward. From Year 2 onwards, you’ll be based on site most of the time, learning on-the-job and working with our specialists and experts to develop and hone your skills.
Beyond The Job: Life Skills
Our Life Skills Program supports our Apprentice and Graduate colleagues with skills that go beyond the workplace, because we believe preparing people for their future means investing in more than their careers. Through workshops and modules covering everything from personal financial literacy and life event planning to cooking on a budget, basic home maintenance, coaching skills, and more, we help our early careers colleagues build confidence and practical skills for life.
This commitment to developing both life and workplace skills has helped our early careers programs earn industry recognition, including Best Early Careers Strategy 2025 at the UK’s HR Excellence Awards. While our Life Skills Program is currently more established in the UK, our offering in the US continues to grow as we expand the support available to our early careers colleagues.
Looking to change career?
Our apprenticeship programs aren’t just for school leavers - in fact, 10% of our apprentices have retrained from previous roles, including the police force, poultry farming, and tree surgery. Their life and work experience enrich our teams and bring invaluable unique perspectives.
Mechanical Engineering
Leo’s Story
Leo always knew the traditional university route wasn’t for him. With a keen interest in engineering and a preference for hands-on learning throughout school, he joined Ontic as a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice in 2022 after completing his A-levels.
Now in a full-time non-apprenticeship role in the Manufacturing Engineering team, Leo currently travels monthly to the United States and is aiming to gain his Degree Apprenticeship qualification with Ontic’s support next.
From Apprentice to Full Time Engineer
In 2025, Leo completed his Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering and was offered a full-time role in the Manufacturing Engineering team before his apprenticeship had even finished. Today, he provides engineering support to production lines, contributes to repair solutions and works closely with teams across the business to meet the highest aerospace standards.
Leo now plays a key role in a major US-based programme, travelling monthly to Arizona to support hydraulic and pneumatic valve projects. The travel opportunities offered by Ontic is a fantastic benefit for Leo, allowing him to gain experience overseas while developing his engineering career.
Why Ontic?
Having heard positive things about Ontic’s culture and early career opportunities, he applied and got invited for an interview. From the interview stage, Ontic felt like the perfect fit - the teams were welcoming, everyone on the shop floor was approachable, and it was clear that apprentices were encouraged to get involved and try different things from day one.
Over the course of his three-year apprenticeship, Leo gained experience across multiple departments, including Production, Quality, Testing and Engineering. These rotations gave him exposure to every stage of the component lifecycle, helping him build technical capability, confidence and a clear understanding of how Ontic supports the world’s civil and military fleets.
“The biggest reason I’d recommend Ontic Apprenticeships is because of the support, flexibility and versatility you get. Throughout my apprenticeship I was able to get involved in a number of different roles. The development team are great at helping and guiding you throughout your three years - and even once your course is finished”.
Looking Ahead
With Ontic’s support, Leo plans to complete a university top-up degree in Mechanical Engineering in the near future. After that, he’d like to explore project management opportunities, and go onto pursue leadership roles in the future. Equipped with mentorship support, a team that fully backs his development, and a passion to progress in doing what he loves, we know he’ll do great things.
