Apprentice aircraft engineer Review

I am an aircraft maintenance engineer at RAF Coningsby and my day to day role would include things from fitting and removing major components from the aircraft to simply signing the daily tool check registry ensuring our tools are all accounted for.

I have learnt so many new things here mainly learning new hand skills as I had very few before I joined BAE systems. I have also learnt about all the things we are supporting working so closely with the RAF.

The job it has got me into I enjoy very much, the NVQ that I must complete whilst I am on my second year placement not so much. I find it very difficult to tick all the boxes it requires and quite repetitive in the questions it asks

I feel an important part of the plan that is laid down to all of BAE employees to have a continually growing work force both in this country and abroad

Its well organised and structured on paper and in the mind of people who don't do much directly with us, but in practise it could do with some improvements

Whilst we are at the academy in our first year there is plenty of support and it is relatively easy to speak to someone, whereas at your placements it can take an age to even get a simple question answered

Pretty much the same as the training provider in that we can speak to people at our placements but there is quite a grey area on who will actually define themselves as our employer

It a very good salary for an apprenticeship but the incremental pay rises help make you work harder to achieve the requirements for them sooner

If this is referring to what I think it is in that there are opportunities to do stuff provided by the apprenticeship then no we don't have anything like that

Yes

It is a very rewarding apprenticeship with a lot of job satisfaction for anyone who enjoys fixing things and has a passion for aviation. I would also mention that the pays is good

I would tell people to not lie in the interview stage, make sure you have some kind of outside experience other than school when you apply (like cadets or some kind of club relating to this job) and stick out the first year!! Its so worth it when you get on to your chosen RAF base!