Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Review

Having completed my apprenticeship I have become an In-Service Data Analyst working to support the Eurofighter Typhoon by analysing Maintenance Work Orders to spot opportunity for optimisation. My work helps support the Product optimisation team which progress "Good Ideas" that have the potential to save the company money/ increase safety/ improve the product. To get here I did a aircraft maintenance apprenticeship whereby I fulfilled a hands-on role maintaining T1 Hawks. This involved stripping the aircraft and replacing the parts and components when maintenance was either required due to a fault or scheduled. This covered both mechanical and avionic work. Having completed the apprenticeship you can either continue down the maintenance route, moving onto different aircraft types, or use your in depth understanding of the aircraft to take on different roles. I chose to go down the support path which led me to my current role. The first year of this 2 year apprenticeship is used for learning the basics. In the second year you chose which route you'd like to go down and then have placements in roles relevant to what you chose. I did a placement in Technical Services answering queries from the customer before choosing to do a longer placement in Product Optimisation. In addition to my day job, I also have responsibility for monitoring the teams progress and development as well as tracking the mandated training and ensuring the team is fully up to date at all times.

I had already done a Level 3 in Engineering so I already hand good hand skills, however by doing so much work in the workshops these definitely developed. Workshop tasks included stripping wires, crimping, soldering, making and tying looms in the avionic workshop. The mechanical workshop taught us how to bend sheet metal, correctly file and saw, drill holes, and rivet as well as many other skills. In terms of maintaining aircraft, my knowledge developed greatly and I now have a good understanding of the components and systems used on aircraft.

For the most part I have loved my apprenticeship, however it would have been nice to see more girls on it. When I joined there was just me and one other girl but I was glad to see more girls coming into the newer cohorts as I was finishing my time. The apprenticeship is a great way to get into the company and get the foundation knowledge needed to start a successful career. I was also happy with the competitive salary - BAE is great for looking after the apprentices and the good salary and amazing career prospects show that you are not just used as cheap labour.

In the first year of the apprenticeship it can feel a little bit like school as you are in a training environment. Because of this you don't feel like you are actually contributing to the company much. However, once you are in your placements learning on the job you are able to contribute to the teams which makes you feel quite valued. Additionally, events like the Apprentice Awards give the opportunity for hard work to be recognised and celebrated which helps add that feeling of value. Hands-on roles are especially good as you can see a physical change as a result of your work. I certainly feel valued and a part of the team now I am in my permanent role.

The particular apprenticeship that I was a part of was constantly developing and changing to meet the companys demand which meant the structure was often changing. I have only been out of the apprenticeship a few months and it has already changed from 2 years to 4, covering different topics to get different future roles for the apprentices when they come out of their time. Unfortunately due to this constant change and development, it felt as though you could never settle. The organisation/structure was a little poor as it is such a big organisation the changes couldn't be processed as quickly as needed. An example of this is that the apprenticeship was changed so that all future job roles after the apprenticeship were to be abroad (typically the middle east), however the roles hadn't been finalised out there so lots of apprentices were held on holding contracts unsure of what the future held. While this doesn't sound too bad, it is quite tiring for them when 6 months have gone past and they are still unsure as to whether they should be looking for a different job within the company that would be more secure or whether they should wait and hope they are eventually sent out. Difficulties with this include knowing whether to renew tenancy agreements/ trying to plan financial expenses and personal life etc. Overall the structure was good and the issues that I mentioned above are specific to our apprenticeship type only as it does change in line with the companys demand.

The support received was the right amount. In the first year of the apprenticeship most of the tutors were willing to put time aside to offer extra support if needed. The support offered also covers everything - not only are most of the tutors and instructors great at helping you with developing your learning and work, but they also care about your personal life. Where there was some tension in our cohort (which is natural when a group of people both work and live together), the tutors put in team building activities to get the cohort back on track. Additionally, there is the National Apprentice Council (NAC). This is run by the apprentices but supported by the tutors. The apprentices can use this forum to discuss how the apprenticeships could be improved and to discuss any issues as well as celebrate successes. The NAC has does a lot of work on internally raising awareness on Mental Health and ensuring all the appropriate support is in place if it is required. My only issue would be the culture created by certain instructors, while it is improving some of the instructors have an outdated view whereby not all apprentices are treated equally which completely goes against BAE values. This is the reason I have not rated this as a 10.

My team have been absolutely incredible with offering support. Whether this is by allowing time away from my day job to complete my NVQ or by being extremely understanding when I am asking lots of questions due to not being as familiar with a particular topic. Additionally, they helped set up mentors for me which work with me to help me achieve my goals and progress my career.

For the first year of the apprenticeship free accommodation is provided so the salary is plenty due to having little other expenses. The salary is competitive and regularly increases which is very encouraging. The salary increases in increments every 6 months for the 2 year apprenticeship and offers you opportunity to raise it further upon successful completion of certain modules/NVQ.

There are lots of opportunities outside of work - as the apprentice population is so big at almost all the sites there is almost always something going on. On our apprenticeship we had a week where the entire cohort went to the peak district and spent the entire time doing a variety of activities including canoeing, hiking and abseiling, as well as many more. The apprentices also have a community challenge week whereby everyone comes together to work as a team to help the community. Every year there is the apprentice awards - there is one specific to our apprenticeship type and a second which covers all the apprenticeships that BAE do. The NAC (as previously mentioned) also organise/support events that the apprentices want. There are lots of other charity events too, an example is the site to site walk.

Yes

Overall, I think it is a great opportunity. The company support you in whatever direction you would like to go allowing you to develop your dream career. This particular apprenticeship gives you a good understanding of the maintenance function and provides you with all the necessary skills and experience to enter the workplace with confidence. I also firmly believe that it is a good alternative to university as you are attaining your qualifications while receiving a very good salary rather than getting yourself in debt.

While it can seem a little daunting (especially for apprentices with less experience of a work environment), don't worry and be confident - all will be okay. For the application and interviews - show interest and enthusiasm. I volunteered at my local airport to gain experience of the role I'd be doing before I applied so I could demonstrate my interest and determination.