Maintenance technical apprentice Review

My apprenticeship is to become a mechanical technician for BAE Systems which looks after and maintains Tornado GR4 aircraft for the RAF. Daily tasks include removing and refitted vital aircraft components and testing the components so the aircraft can be airworthy once again. A bit like doing a M.O.T on a car... Only bigger, better and more expensive toys! The responsibility is huge to get the job done correctly and safely due to the affects this could have on an aircraft during flight. Everything is checked and double checked. No two days are the same due to the vast amount of work that needs to be done on aircraft from Day 1 to the point where it is ready to fly again.

I have learnt new skills I didn't think I had or would need in any other day to day job. Simply due to the tasks that we need to complete. As I complete my NVQ I am given opportunities to increase my knowledge and add to my qualification with on the job courses to expand my abilities around the aircraft. the opportunity to improve does not stop at my NVQ as other courses and qualifications can be gained to develop my skills, knowledge and status within the company.

I love everything about the job, working on these aircraft can not be any less than you expected or wanted it to be. The job is team orientated so everyone gets along, works well together and helps others that have not been there as long to increase their knowledge of the aircraft and to ensure they learn the skills and knowledge from each other.

As I progress through the course I can feel my value to the company increase as I gain more experience and complete more courses with the team I am currently working with. My reputation can go up with every good review I get from my team, supervisors and other staff. Hard work never seems to go unnoticed either so i am very happy with my current position here.

Some elements can be improved but that is only due to the fact that I was part of a transition period to a new academy so it was no ones fault in particular that we missed out on a few chances to develop, ask questions and change in management. My current sitution seems to be going very well, the help and support is there and we never feel left out or confused by the work.

Personally, I could not thank my Assessor enough. His door is always open for questions or problems. If I put the effort in with the work I do, he gives me the time and effort in return to help me grow as a technician and within BAE Systems. We have a meeting with our current supervisors every 12 weeks to get an overview of my progress during a placement.

I haven't had any major problems or issues whilst working here but the help is always there when it is required. My assessor or team leader would point me in the right direction if I had any issues. I have seen the support given to colleagues that needed it and it is encouraging to see in case I was ever in that situation. They will do as much as possible to help.

The salary is great for any apprenticeship course I have seen. However the extra salary that you gain almost instantly goes on Rent, travel and living costs due to the location for me being away from home but you decide how you want to live outside of work by saving every penny where you can or spending it on a nice home to rent or more expensive packages within your home. Overall the salary easily keeps you on your feet until the day of qualification to a full time salary.

every year BAE systems do things for the community. I myself was involved in a community week to help a small business. There is lots of things to do outside of work with colleagues such as football, golf afternoons and gym facilities. Open days happen each year whether it be a family and friends day or bring your sons/daughters to work day.

Yes

Its the best choice I made, University wasn't for me and this gave me every benefit of University without going. I get a highly rated qualification out of it whilst not having to pay University fee's. The job itself is better than I expected as aircraft is something I am interested in. The company is the company it is by the way it looks after its employees and its customers as it continues to grow and gives employees more opportunities.

Put every bit of hard work you can into getting the job and completing the NVQ and the rewards will come. Knuckle down and you will get noticed as I have seen from older apprentices that went through the course before me. Be confident and never be afraid to ask a question. The assessment days and interviews are nerve racking as any interview is but prepare properly and no one in the process will make you feel uncomfortable. They want you to prove yourself to them as much as you want to show off what you can do to get the opportunity.