Apprentice Review

Mechanical apprentice Aicraft maintenance 1st year completed my level 2 and theory at the aircraft maintenance academy, externally went on an outward bound activity weak for team bonding. My responsibilities are safety, professionalism, punctuality and to carry out the job to the best of my ability. I have not completed any projects but have completed hand skills phase in engineering workshops, completing a wiring board and various mechanical hand skill exercises. My usual day consists of various aircraft maintenance tasks on the Eurofighter typhoon, this can be anything from removing a panel to installing an engine.

I have learned a lot of new skills, by doing a year of theory i have been tought indepth information to help me progress throughout my career. I have been on various different training courses such as human factors, wiring and husbandry, induction to tmf etc. I havent been on any external training courses.

I enjoy coming to work and having a job that can help me progress in the aviation industry. I enjoy working in my team as i get on with my collegues well and they have made me feel welcome. It fully met my expections as i have been given very good training and advice already before moving onto base and starting on my team. So far i have enjoyed my apprenticeship apart from the dissapointment of not getting my first choice of where i wanted to go in my second year.

I dont feel very valued because i am only an apprentice so therefore not much use to my team, however i will gain experience and knowledge to hopefully work my way up and become a valued team member. I am allowed to participate fully in tasks and my supervisor always allows me to get involved and get jobs done for my nvq.

The induction is fine and well organised and covers everything you would expect in an induction. The training is very good and training is delivered by very experienced personel who are very good to learn from. Support is there if needed and people are helpful in the company. There is a line manager who looks after apprentices and is very approachable for any problems or questions you might have. Meetings take place with nvq assessors every 2 months so you can see how well you are progressing. The task delegation is good and a fair share of work is sent out to various memebers of the team equally, the supervisors always try to get you jobs that you need for your nvq aswell which is good. The programme could be organised better as the timeframe for the first year was ran behind due to exam resits, also the organisation wasnt very good when it came to finding out where i would be for the second year of my apprenticeship, which is still unknown for certain after being told i was going one place and then going another place temporary until the original place started.

Yeah there is always support there if you need it but i have not needed much support. When struggling with exams there was always somebody there to support and help me which was good. Instructors attitude was always professional and they were always approachable for help and guidence if needed.

I recieved support from my line manager when carrying out my training and targets were set and monthly periods so i knew where i was at. My line manager was supportive and got me through my first year very well, the line managers attitude was always supportive and professional.

The salary is a good one for an apprentice as it is above average apprentice wage. The travel costs are covered for the moment by being provided with a hire car as i have a long commute (2hours to and from work), this is due to not been given my first choice placement which is right next to where i live. Apart from that the rest of salary goes on travelling to and from home as the location i am staying at is extremely remote and travel is needed to have any social lifestyle.

There may be some oppurtunities outside of work but i am not sure as i have not participated in anything but my working day. When i am not at work i usually study and cook my food for the following day.

Yes

It is a good company to work for and there is a big chance of progression. It is in an exciting industry and the oppurtunities are endless, especially with being able to work away and travel with the job. The job is difficult but is very rewarding so i would recommend this job if youre willing to live away from home and have a very work driven lifestyle.

Have a strong CV behind you and preferably experience in some form of engineering. The interview process is fine but make sure youre confident and you ask questions to find out exactly what youre applying for. Be pro-active and confident as there are teambuilding activites which you need to get involved in. Also be prepared for working overseas as this is highly likely at the end of the apprenticeship. I would like to have been told the extent of the exams during the year of theory and also where i would definitely be going on my placement.