Aircraft Maintenance & Support Apprentice Review

Within the first year my day would consist of going to class and being taught about a certain subject. What I got taught depended on what unit I was doing and what was involved within the unit. Some times there was very little to do which left us with very unproductive days. In year two, my day consists of completing various jobs on aircraft. However, some days I will have to write up NVQ evidence.

I have developed my hand skills on this course as well as learning a lot about how to use tools and what certain pieces of equipment are for.

I enjoy the programme the majority of the time however, when I was sat around with nothing to do in the first year, it felt very pointless. As well as this, when I moved to Norfolk for the second year of the programme, I felt alone and unsupported at the beginning.

Fairly valued as we have attention being paid to us by various people and are constantly told about future opportunities for us. These opportunities vary in many different ways which could be more development programmes or where I want to work in the future.

Some parts of the apprenticeship are well organised, but some parts of it are unorganised i.e. where we have nothing to do or are given jobs to do which are non-apprenticeship related. In the first year they would attempt to find things for us to do. In the second year it is better structured as we are never without anything to do, as if there is little work to do on the aircraft we will go and write up NVQ related work.

We receive as much support as we require. The trainers are there to help us and as long as we respect their teaching during lesson, they will be willing to assist us if we are struggling.

Our employer will try to lead us into figuring out problems we can solve individually but if we need help then they will help if they can. The employer has many different ways to help as there is an ethics helpline, HR team, the manager and an employee assistance programme.

In the first year the salary is good as the accommodation is provided and paid for. However, in the second year we have to find our own house and pay for it so I recommend to anyone starting this apprenticeship to save as much of their money in the first year.

There are many different group activities that can be signed up for in both the first and second year. These activities can range from football to Go-Karting.

Yes

It's a good apprenticeship and have learnt a lot in the first year and am still continuing to learn as I progress through the second year. What we learn is fascinating and never seems to disappoint.

Save up as much money as possible throughout the first year to provide a better living throughout the second year. Try to find out what roles you can apply for before going onto base. We got told only Avionics or mechanic. However, I am doing electrical and two other apprentices applied for CAO roles.