Technical Trainer

Job description

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 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career. Job Summary Technical Training Manager to lead the development and execution of a world-class technical training program supporting aerospace manufacturing operations. This role combines deep engineering and manufacturing knowledge with instructional design expertise to build workforce capability across operators, technicians, apprentices, and engineers. The Technical Training Manager will drive a site-wide training strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and future workforce needs. This position plays a critical role in advancing operational excellence, safety, quality, and employee development. Job Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Training Strategy & Leadership Define and execute the site technical training strategy, aligned with operational goals and future capability needs. Conduct skills gap assessments and develop training roadmaps to support workforce development and succession planning. Serve as the site subject matter expert for technical training and capability development. (If applicable) Lead and develop a team of technical trainers and/or training coordinators. Curriculum Development & Program Design Design and maintain structured, competency-based training programs, including curricula, lesson plans, assessments, and certification pathways. Translate complex engineering and manufacturing processes into practical, accessible training content. Develop skills matrices, qualification standards, and career progression frameworks for technical roles. Apply proven instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, Kirkpatrick) to ensure effective learning outcomes. Training Delivery & Execution Deliver engaging classroom instruction, hands-on training, and on-the-job learning experiences. Lead new hire technical onboarding and certification processes during the probationary period. Facilitate train-the-trainer programs to build internal training capability. Ensure training is delivered in compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. Operations & Training Management Manage the training calendar, scheduling, and completion tracking using LMS or other systems. Maintain training facilities, equipment, and instructional environments, including training center operations. Ensure all training documentation meets internal, customer, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ITAR, aerospace standards). Continuous Improvement & Impact Measurement Establish track training effectiveness metrics, linking outcomes to operational KPIs such as quality, productivity, and safety. Evaluate training programs and implement continuous improvements in content, delivery methods, and technology. Incorporate digital learning tools, simulations, and modern instructional methods to enhance learning effectiveness. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering, Operations, HR, and Quality to ensure alignment with technical standards and business priorities. Support new product introductions, process changes, and operational transformations through targeted training initiatives. Job Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in industrial technology or engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline). 7–10 years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment, preferably aerospace or advanced manufacturing. Proven experience designing and delivering technical training programs (classroom and hands-on). Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, technical operations, and shop floor environments. Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into effective training content. Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills. Experience with training systems, documentation, and compliance requirements. Must be a U.S. Person (ITAR compliance) and eligible to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance if required. Preferred Certifications in instructional design or adult learning (ATD, Kirkpatrick, or equivalent). Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital learning technologies. Background in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing. Experience leading training centers, workforce development programs, or large-scale training initiatives. Knowledge of change management, continuous improvement, or Lean principles. 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. ​ ​