Fitter Review

We start with a meeting to discuss the tasks for the day and discuss options to improve on the previous day. Most of our work is manual, as that's the route I chose, so I am constantly learning new skills and working hands on. We work as part of 6 teams who are all on different sections learning different things. At the moment, my team is on the fitting section. this involves cutting, measuring accurately and drilling steel and aluminium, grinding drill bits back to shape, laying up carbon fibre, drilling to depth and adding threads, counterboring holes. we are responsible for our own PPE, and performing the daily meeting at the beginning of the day.

I have learnt many manual skills so far and am set to learn many more. I have also taken part in many training courses so far, from safeguarding, to resilience plus training. we also have an in-house success factors training courses which help with COSHH, manual handling, gas handling and many others. I have learnt how to file to within a +/- 0.1 tolerance drill holes to specification, use pillar drills and grinding plates, give my work a surface finish. I have learnt to wire up alarm circuits, pressure pads and wiring looms, how to strip and add crimps to aircraft grade standards. I have also learnt how to use CAD as I had no experience and can now perform tasks to a high standard.

I enjoy coming to work every day. The instructors are approachable and a good laugh. The people I work with are trustworthy, and hardworking. The company looks after us as best they can, we have a huge support network and are encouraged to raise any issues, as well as praise our teams when we do well. we have initiatives to provide us with incentive to do well and always strive for more.

We are given responsibility from the off. We are given work wear and training, as well as support from all staff. We have reviews where we are praised and appreciated for the work we do. We also have rewards when recommended by an instructor - I have received one of these awards. these are given out for exceptional work. We are always being informed of new project and ways to get involved with extra curricular activities. I feel we are given so many opportunities its hard to pick which ones not to do.

The induction week ran smoothly. We were given a schedule and did loads of ice breakers to help make us feel comfortable. We were all given laptops and uniforms to make us feel like we were important and fit in. There are constant training courses and we are always assessed to see if they can give us any more help if we need it. The college we use for our FE work is well ran and provide all the help we need. We have instructors, a buddy scheme of older apprentices, union reps, of which I am 1st year rep, and a full team who we can contact with issues. The workload we get means deadlines can sometimes be tight, but they have factored this in and we are given time to complete work to ensure everyone isn't being held up or falling behind.

LTC are always on site and always available to answer questions if we have any. we also have access to their website where we can message the tutors outside of work hours. They provide us with online content to aid our assignments and plan the workload around each other meaning we are never overwhelmed with work.

We receive constant support. There are assessments and reviews which keep track of our progress, how well we are doing and these are done to spot any potential troubles. this can be falling behind with work or issues outside of work. the support is always available and is treated in confidence. they will do all they can to help

The salary is competitive.

There are always social events, work events and other company events that we are invited too and encouraged to take. BAE offer support and allocate time for these. Things such as apprentice week, where I am taking part in a charity football match. We are also encouraged to volunteer and have a forum on the intranet to get involved with these.

Yes

Because its a great career. I enjoy my work and get paid for it.

Scan the website for information on the company. Do your research, and relax. Its a great apprenticeship and I wish I had done it from a younger age. There are opportunities to travel, to climb the ladder, to earn good money and to enjoy your time.