Graduate Aircraft Engineer Review

by Impellam Group

Rating

7.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Carrying out maintenance on aircraft for Virgin Atlantic. Also taking part in the Level 3 Leadership and Management Course provided by Raise The Bar.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt many skills, both life skills and work-based skills with plenty of experience.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoy working on the aircraft and building my skills. The leadership and management course is also very insightful and is enhancing my professional development skills. However occasionally it is difficult to manage a good work-life balance but there is always support if needed.

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It is well organised regarding the shift work and moving between departments to get a varied experience. However the leadership and management course can be difficult to fit into an already busy schedule.

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

The support we received near the start of our course was exemplary and allowed for an easy transition to full-time employment. We still have access to support both through Impellam Group and through Virgin, but I feel that we have been left to be more independent.

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Plenty of support is provided whilst working on the leadership and management course. Helping understand the content and what is expected of each assignment. Also helping prepare us for the end point assessment.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

As of now it is providing good skills to use within my current role and as I progress through the job roles. However the overall role of being a leader won’t be required until I start as a certifying engineer or work with apprentices.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Currently, we have a new opportunity regarding an internship later this year which will be ran by my cohort which will provide a good learning experience for me and my fellow apprentices.

6/10

9a. Would you recommend Impellam Group to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They have helped me to start a career in the aviation industry when I was often doubting myself throughout university. They are supportive and provide the opportunities to gain qualifications and develop as a person.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Impellam Group?

Be open-minded. Regarding my job role, going in as a “contractor” felt odd considering other companies would take you in and provide an instant job security, however with Impellam there is a possibility that following the apprenticeship we aren’t taken on by Virgin. But we have been reassured that Virgin are investing in us to go through this programme.