Aircraft technician (Mechanical) Review

I Chose the trade of an aircraft mechanic. My day to day tasks include fitting and removing components, as well as functional tests on fast jet aircraft at TMF, based at RAF Coningsby.

- Developed hand skills during the workshop phase of our apprenticeship. during these few months we spent time in an AV and Mechanical workshop fine tuning our hand skills. - I've learnt to adapt to a new work setting, were as before I was used to working at a desk for 7 years with approx. 15 employees prior to this apprenticeship. I now work in a lively hangar with over 300 employees.

The programme was well thought out. The team building element at the start was excellent. This course brought the team closer and enabled us to get to know one another. Working in the workshops and Classroom was a good mix of environments. I feel that over the last year and a half I have worked very hard and pushed myself mentally and physically to try and excel in all tasks given to me.

At the AMA the progress reviews were very personal, and in some cases you were given a 'pat on the back'. I remember leaving the reviews feeling good about the hard work I had put in. Were as during year 2 I feel that this has slipped and it's now just become a paper work exercise and no effort is put into these.

Very well organised, from day one we had a time table set out for the next couple of years, very rarely did the schedule slip on the set time table. If a problem came to light the management team would brief the apprentices prior to just changing the programme.

My training provider is now my team who I work with day to day at RAF Coningsby. I'm always asking questions and learning new systems and procedures to further my knowledge of the jet.

We have scheduled meetings with our NVQ assessors every couple of months if we require any support we can raise issues then. Support is always available, you just have to ask or send an email.

Since leaving my previous job I took a considerable wage cut. Since taking on the apprenticeship I've had to cut down on spending - but I still have no problem with travelling, renting a property and socialising on the current salary. I feel the salary package was very good for an apprentice.

Plenty of opportunities at RAF Coningsby to get involved in outside work activities but I live in Lincoln. I also already have quite a busy lifestyle outside of work.

Yes

Because it's a great starting point to an expanding career working on some of the worlds newest technology. The starting salary is very competitive, as well as the salary after just two years!.

Research heavily the line of work your going into, including the programme, history and competitors.