Advance Engineering Apprantice Review

I am a second year advanced technician at BAE systems at Warton. My roles include engineering support and design activities. Currently I am carrying out a support role impacting new aircraft changes through the business and out to the customer. I have also had the opportunity to spend 4 months on Typhoon flight line learning the electrical inspection and maintenance activities. This so far was the highlight of my apprenticeship as I got to have hands on opportunity on the aircraft and the opportunity to support the aircraft start up and see off. Nothing beats a typhoon barrelling down a runway and going into a vertical.

I have gained practical skills in aircraft frames fabrication, aircraft looming and electrical systems and Machining techniques from my first year in the training centre. I am currently working on my NVQ work towards my apprenticeship.

The work can be difficult and challenging at the same time however it is full of interest and intrigue. The opportunities I have had have been useful and inspiring which I think you can only experience by being part of BAE Systems. Nothing beats working on a live aircraft. I had opportunities to promote the company on live television and present projects we have produced to prince Charles.

My company sees the value of apprentices because they can shape us into engineers which are going to be effective and innovative for BAE Systems. They make sure we have the appropriate training and skills to take on roles in the business and begin to contribute to the BAE machine. My departments have highly valued my help and support.

We have one year in the training centre to prepare us in practical skills which we will find in the business. We also get skills in CAD and design work which will help on engineering project environments. The rest of the apprenticeship is made up of 7 times 4 month placements in Design, Systems, Testing, Manufacturing and Support to give us a well rounded idea of BAE systems and the different areas we could go into. As a technician I also get to practical placements working on aircraft and products to give me this insight which can support me in my latter work. WE then have a 6 month final objective placement which potentially will be where we will end u when we go out into the business.

We have our own assessors who have regular meetings with us and carry out Learning Progress reviews. I have further education learning every Monday where I get formal Learning in a classroom environment. I also get support from my line managers and supervisors from my departments who help me understand process and also carry engineering and support activities.

I receive lots of support which comes in the form of my assessor have regular meeting with me and help from my Supervisors and trainers.

For the current time being I only have major costs for paying for my car. Other than that I don't have very many major out goings so my salary more than covers my costs.

There are groups which are active outside of work time or example there are multiple football teams and inter hanger match's. There is also a choir and a model aircraft club.

Yes

IT is a well structured well rounded training process and experience which can't be taught in a classroom environment. it prepares you to understand aircraft and aircraft manufacturing however it also builds work environment skills, communication skills and a common sense for the workplace. It creates an engineer which is conscious of experiences which can help them in the future rather than being thrown in at a high level at struggling to keep up.

Firstly be yourself and have passion and confidence. I know it's hard saying this but don't panic and stress. It's a process which isn't easy in any case but concentrate and you will be fine. In terms of experience get as much of it as you can and build up a small portfolio. doesn't have to be in detail what you did but be able to say for example " I spent 2 months working with a car mechanic and gained practical hands on experience". If you've done a project make sure you understand it and now it. You'll be fine just relax and be prepared. Preparation is important.