Electrical Aeronautical Engineer Review

I am an electrical aeronautical apprentice. I am responsible for a range of tasks including creation of aircraft wiring looms, testing of aircraft electrics, fitting and equipping of electrical systems. During my apprenticeship I have worked in a number of different places and have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge. My current placement involves the wiring and installation of newly developed flight test systems along with working on flight line as the aircraft takes flight with newly installed equipment on-board.

I have achieved a level 3 NVQ and a level 3 BTEC, I am currently working towards a HNC in aeronautical engineering. I have never worked with tools in any way before starting my apprenticeship so I have gained a huge range of new skills and knowledge. I am now on the brink of qualifying as a fully skilled aircraft electrician and have been provided with a huge range of enrichment activities throughout the last 3 years

I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day. I worked in a different career for 10 years before using the apprenticeship to retrain. I have enjoyed every part of the apprenticeship and I am proud to work for BAE Systems. I believe in the product and get great satisfaction out of being involved.

I feel highly valued by BAE systems. They provider a wealth of recognition throughout the apprenticeship through both our training school and the areas within the business in which we work. I have been provided the opportunity to get involved with most things I have asked to be involved with.

The training and support on the programme is second to none. The new training facilities at the ASK are incredible. The standard of our HE tuition is great and it has been made easy to met all expectations guidelines and milestones along the way due to a well structured and laid out framework, effectively managed at all times.

I have one to one contact via phone and email with my tutors and my assessor whenever I require it. I have regular face to face meetings with my assessor every 12 weeks at which we discuss a huge range of things around my progress and around any support I need at any given time

The support structure at BAE Systems is great, I have access to an employee assistance scheme for free, HR guidance, medical care, dentistry, physiotherapy and all supervisors and the training centre are supportive of any needs of reasonable requests/requirements regarding my working structure.

I personally think the amount of remuneration provided in addition to the amount of training, support and higher education we a re provided is excellent. I would be unfair to expect any more.

Many charity events, I am a STEM ambassador and take place in STEM events in schools. Much more is available if I ever wished to take part.

Yes

I genuinely believe that there is no other apprenticeship that provides the levels of training and opportunities whilst being paid a very good salary. Best decision I've ever made!

Work hard at the application process, be honest and ensure that you have a good solid engineering project to show off should you get an interview. And if you don't succeed first time round, try and try again!