Avionics Maintenance Engineer Review

Avionics Maintenance Engineer. Daily tasks depends on which phase of maintenance the aircraft is in. These can range from pre-input functionals, stripping , cable/wire repairs, rebuild and testing phase. Daily internal interactions comprise of working with other operators during tasks under the supervision of junior or senior leaders. I also work with tool stores for equipment requirements and logistics for new parts being assigned to the jet ready for fitment. External interactions is mainly done once a servicing when the Tempest team come out and we have to work alongside them to carry out the work. Everyday I am responsible to make sure all the work allocated to me is carried out on time and to an extremely high standard all in accordance with the approved data.

I have gained qualifications towards obtaining a CAT A Engineering military license as well as key skills. I have developed my hand skills during the workshop phase of the apprenticeship programme. Whilst being on base I have also completed one module of the Typhoon Q course organised by BAE, as well as received training to gain access to a few authorisations. At all times it has been instilled in me that whilst working for BAE professionalism is key and this has been upheld throughout my time on the apprenticeship and will continue indefinitely during my employment.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeship programme. The other apprentices we spent our first year with were all chosen for a reason and that was evident in their team work, behaviours and attitude to work. The company gives us a great environment to work in and to train so all expectations I had prior to joining the company have been met and even exceeded.

Throughout my training I have always felt valued due to all the processes they have in place to make sure we are always developing and how we can improve to get the best out of us. If we ever had any issues there was always someone to talk to get things resolved. At the end of the first year we were given a certificate and a mini presentation to celebrate us passing our first year. Whilst on base we still have our 12 week reviews so they are still keen to monitor us. I have also been played on the Typhoon Q course so it shows the intent from BAE to further our development through enhanced training.

Induction - we were given health and safety talks and also given time for team bonding. Training - training was well delivered at a smooth pace Studying - We were given an hour at the end of each day for self study Support - We had 12 week reviews to aid our development Task delegation - We always had an organised plan of what was going to happen on a week by week basis from the start of the year. any chances were updated quickly.

We received a lot of support during the apprenticeship again through our 12 week reviews on what we were doing well and how we could improve. If we had any problems I always felt that there was someone to talk to within the Academy or on base.

We were always mentored either in the classroom, in the workshop or during the on aircraft phase of the apprenticeship and we always had their support. We are visited on base sometimes by the manager and a member of the HR team. They are always contactable through email if we have any issues.

During the first year all our accommodation was paid for by BAE and a free coach service was also provided from our dorms to the place of work. Our starting apprenticeship wage was quite a big higher during the first year. However after moving to base a lot of people struggled with the extra expenses of moving to a new location and paying for a house , bills and travel. The wage did increase progressively whilst on base but it was extremely difficult at the start.

The company puts on events after work to reward us for our efforts such as a hog roast or Christmas parties all paid for by BAE/RAF. During the first year we spent a week volunteering at the trolleybus museum, restoring the facilities and repairing their buses. Most of the time outside of work was spent socialising with our colleagues in the accommodation provided by BAE.

Yes

They always ensure that you are well looked after and trained to a high standard to fully prepare you for full time employment. They have your best interests at heart and will do their upmost to help you in any way they can or deal with any issues you may have.

That the BAE apprenticeship scheme is a great thing to be a part of. Most of us don't have any experience prior so don't let it be a deterrent from applying as every need you have or training requirement will be catered for. Finally just to go into it motivated and with an open mind. If you put the hard work in then you will be rewarded.