Avionics apprentice Review

Originally started at Doncaster to complete the theory abd some practical modules of my NVQ, now moved on to a funtioning airbase, compiling evadence towards my NVQ and learning the trade and aircraft, i work with multiple civilian and military personel daily, im responsible for myself, to self manage and aquire work which is relevant to the qualification.

i have improved my exisisting knowledge base on most things mechanical and electrical, i have aquired on site authoritys such as overhead crane control.

I enjoy the working environment, multi million pound aircraft and equipment and being allowed to work on them. the teams are freindly and understanding of my knowledge level there is a sense of family with working teams and gentle rivalry between the trades.

occasionaly i feel let down by management, the on site staff are great, and my NVQ assesors are good people always willing to help, but its external manangement that can let you down, with so many hoops to jump through it can be sometimes difficult to get a straight answer if any. it seems to be that nobody will take a direct responsibility for us sometimes.

some of the modules in doncaster where little unorganised, but on base work is fine, there is structure and order on how to do things, with information available if required by my managment and assesors.

as much as i need really, with access to emails i can get my questions to the right people with ease

there is enough support to meet my requirements, the structure can be confusing sometimes as to who does what, but questions can always be raised when needed.

more money is always better, but i understand thats not the way a buisness works, expenses are provided by the compnay such as hire cars and hotels for when we are away, but as an apprentice, moving away from home to a new place with barely enough money to afford a roof over my head it can be a strain, sure living with multiple people in the same accomodation helps ease the load, but i think we should have certain grants to help us rent a house, maybe company vehicles as well as some of the bases are in the middle of nowhere with the only available accomodation being a large commute, away so fuel costs come into play, even just having a fuel card would help.

we have access to all the faciltys on camp, but with where i live it makes it diffucult to utilise them, but with any place that you live it is what you make of it, again money comes into play, not having enough does reduce social activitys

Yes

it may be a long process, with plenty of challenges to overcome, but it is a postive experiance especially for the younger people, it will make you responsible. the qualification is top notch and the oppurtunities are there to see the planet and travel.

this isnt a college course, its serious buisness, if you can understand that with a pinch of maturity then you should enjoy it as well as have fun. you have to be a bit regiment with how things are done, be on time, have your paperwork ready, do your studying, be willing to sacrfice your spare time, it is only two years out your life which will set you up for the rest of your days. this course is not easy nor is it overly difficult, it will test you in certain aspects but just remember what it is we are getting payed to do, aircraft are dangerous, so have respect for them and the older guys who have been doing this years and you will do just fine.