Apprentice Fitter (Mechanical) Review

I am an aircraft fitter, this role includes many things and is a very varied job role. I can be assisting a team in preping and aircraft for flight or removing and installing components.

Alot of the skills i have used have just been improved as i used to me a mechanic on cars but there are alot of new skills i have picked up including; being able to talk to large groups of people and become confident in meeting new people and i think this is important. I have also learnt new engineering skils such as drilling, riveting, filing and countersinking to name just a few.

I has been a very enjoyable programme in many was, the relaxed culture in the workplace enables you to learn at a good rate and not feel rushed, if this was the case mistakes could easily be made. Your work collegues wherever i have been have always been easily approachable and willing to help when needed.

It is a very busy working eviroment so the apprciation for what you are doing is not always shown by managment, but it is understandable given the pressure they are under from the company. But at the end of every placement you get to talk to your collegues and your manger to given them ffedback on what was good and bad about the placement.

Whilst at the training centre (In the first year) the apprenticeship is very well structured, but the programme does suffer quite alot when the training moves onto the bigger sites. Although it is not the case for every member of the traing team in the later years of the apprenticeship, especially when it has come to booking time off or communicating with you assessor, you are made to feel like a burden or a hinderance rather than a fellow collegue.

The help that you receive should you require it is very good, and the training centre are always happy to meet with you and talk about it.

It is very hard to answer because you are regularly moved around into different parts of the business and each section vary's in support. most of the sections are very good and are willing to support you regarding job packs and trying to put you on jobs that are beneficial to you. However you do have to seek this out yourself, which i think is a good thing.

This apprenticeship is very well paid and i have no complaints about the costs involved as you get expenses for any additional try you incurr.

Yes there are various different schemes that you can get involved in, for example i have personnaly been on the German Exchange, which is a work placement for three weeks in Manching. This was a great experience and one of the best things i have ever done, there is also; world skills, the princes trust, outward bound, the ambassador programme to name but a few.

Yes

Because it is a big global company with many different oppurtunities, great pay and qualifications at the end of it. You can also go as far as degree level in further education which is a brilliant alternative to getting in debt at university, although it is a very difficult thing to do with work along side it but you get out what you put in and the company are more than happy to help.

Make sure that you take the time and the effort to review and revise what the company does, where they do it and what job roles there are available. But this isnt just the case for BAE Systems but for all jobs that you go for. It's just good practice!!