Flight Certification Engineer - Apprentice Review

As my job is a part of a team called Flight certification with Airworthiness, the job can vary depending on what development and production aircrafts are flying. The jobs vary from authorising development aircrafts to fly with safety limitations in place to restricting the fleet of aircrafts to a certain speed with a certain configuration. In order to produce authorisation for an aircraft there can be interactions with 42 different systems in order to gain all the information. I am responsible for any documentation which I produce and I sign for each. This is then checked by a senior engineer and authorised by top level management.

Throughout this job so far I have learnt many new skills. Most have been learnt from completing work and gaining advice from senior engineers. When I first started in Airworthiness there were an induction pack which led me to a set of training courses I had to complete. This training was basic but gave me an overview. The most useful skills have come from working on projects with different engineers and teams and learning while on the job. I have learnt document skills to specific knowledge around flying and aircrafts.

While working in this job the enjoyment has been good due to many different factors. The team I am working with make the work interesting while still teaching me new skills and information. The work is interesting as there are problems to be solved and the work varies each day/week. The team in general is kept up to date with success and problems throughout any areas which could affect us. This also provides each of the team members a wider outlook on certain jobs which can help a great deal in completing a project.

While completing work there is always some sort of recognition whether that is from my manager or a program leader after a successful flight trial. There have been times when a document is fully signed up and issued where the team and myself have been thanked and recognised as doing more work than originally planned in order to complete a project. Throughout airworthiness there are recognitions for teams and personnel who have gone above and beyond each month. Within projects I am seen as a key member of the team who is asked to get involved as I have other skills/knowledge than others

The overall programme is organised quite well when in respect to how many other apprentices there are as well. The inductions can be lengthy but there is a lot of information to be transferred for safety etc. The training provide is very good in respect to the first year, then the training is not as much after that unless your placement needs you to complete a specific topic. Training is kept on top on by the use of refresher courses. In terms of support, I can contact my mentor (or the same equivalent) and a safeguarding officer at any point in work hours. this can b face to face, email or Skype.

Whilst working there is a continuous level of support. This is usually from my mentor if it is to do with my apprenticeship directly. For example support with general work, reviews or any questions. If I need guidance I know who to ask and they can pass me to the relevant area/person. Support is easy to gain no matter the issue.

In the working environment there is support provided by my team and supervisors/managers.If I need guidance I know who to ask and they can pass me to the relevant area/person. The support can vary from advice on a issue, to help on a project so I can understand it more. No matter the issue there is always a level of support which i can gain easy and efficiently

The size of the salary is enough to live on especially as i am coming to the end of the apprenticeship. It covers everything i need in order to keep on top of everything i need to. not only the salary is alright, but the extras such as pension and shares is very useful for planning long term as well as just a monthly pay slip.

There are a lot of opportunities for outside of work, however these are very popular and can fill up fast. The company events in which you provide a overview to students who are debating applying for BAE systems are very god as not only are you providing a help, the event helps build presentation and communication skills. There are many other events which i have been involved in with one being the make it challenge. This is an event sponsored by BAE which encourages secondary school kids into engineering. There are a lot more opportunities outside of work which are not directly linked with work but are formed due to the apprenticeship.

Yes

I would recommend it because it has taught me a lot of skills and developed me as a person. It has not only provided me with a job but has improved my knowledge and my traits. has provided me with a chance to grow and continue learning in a class room and whilst working on aircrafts. The experience gained is much more than you would get from just doing a standard college course.

The one bit of advice i can give would be to give it your best shot and enjoy it. The company looks for people it can develop and who are willing to improve. If i wish i was told something before i applied it would be "be honesty, show integrity and enjoy"