Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic Review

I am an avioninc airxraft mechanic. On a daily basis I carry out engineering tasks to ensure the airworthiness of the RAF's fleet of aircraft.

Yes I have gained an advanced level 3 NVQ. Aswell as training into carrying out a range of jobs on the aircraft.

On a day to day basis the job I do and the challenges I face keep me interested and busy all day every day. As a job I get to follow my passion of engineering as well as work on one of the worlds most advanced fighter jets. The job suits me and I enjoy what I do. I never have a bad day.

Within my team I feel like I am a valued member. This comes from my supervisors, team leader and my NVQ assessor. As for the HR and management of the company I do not feel valued at all. I have not had any contact or sipport from the training academy, they do not pass on any information and are always the last to find out. As ewell as this they do not seem to care much for my future aspirations and desire to work abroad as even with constant emails from myself I still cannot get any information regarding a course I need to work overseas.

The first year of the apprenticeship, at the academy was very well structured and organised and I found I knew what I would be doing on a daily/weekly basis that would lead to the successful completion of my apprencticeship. At base due to the lack of communication with the academy who we are still contracted to the organisation levels have dropped. But due to the hard working NVQ assessor that I have I feel that he was brought structure to my 2nd year.

The training provider who we had through the first year of the apprenticeship provided excellent delivery of their training. They gave good lessons that allowed me to complete all exams to a high standard that gave me the basic theoretical knowledge to move to base.

The first year the support was good. When we moved to do our training at humberside the training was poor with poor working conditions that did not relate to my job role and what I would be doing as a job on a day to day basis. As well as this the farce surrounding accommodation and meals was disgraceful.

The salary is something that is above most apprenticeships in the country which is very good and I feel warranted considering what we do for a job and what the training entails. Although we receive a minimal pay rise when we get to base the fact we have to pay for our own accomodation as well as bills and travel by the end of the month it becomes a bit of a struggle.

If there are then we have not been informed of any. The only activity I know of is 5 a side football and this is organised by myself and some friends rather than BAE.

Yes

The company is a well known company with a good reputation worth working for, this with the qualifications you receive make it worth recommending. Based on the lack of support and professionalism within our apprenticeship and from HR I would not.

The application process is fair and professional. The whole apprenticeship is a great experience that could potentially set you up for life. I would advise people to research their chosen career first and know where they want to go with their career so they can explore those avenues when they take up the job.