Aircraft Technician Review

My role is Aircraft Technician, this involves working on live aircraft within the RAF. Primarily tis includes primary, minor and major servicing of the Typhoon Fighter aircraft. this role can also involve forward support which includes working alongside the RAF Squadrons to provide maintenance, modifications and servicing. There are varying opportunities for supporting the Typhoon platform within the company

I have learnt a variety of skills during my apprenticeship period. These include, various off aircraft maintenance/hand skills such as filing, drilling and shaping of metal. I have also learnt various on aircraft skills including working safely and effectively within the confines of my training and authority. I have also learnt about human factors and various working practices such as panel husbandry etc.

The program I am on has a variable enjoyment ratio. The first 9 month is Academic based, which is interesting but, for me, isn't too enjoyable. For the other 15 months of the apprenticeship it is hands on. Including 3 months at Humberside then 12 months at a live RAF Base. Being hands on is the most enjoyable part for me as it enables further progression and understanding on the academic part.

When I started my apprenticeship it was classed as a 'Trailblazer' apprenticeship. Therefore it was the first time my particular course was carried out. Luckily it was based on previous courses so there was some structure but there was obvious lapses within said structure. Also the transition from Humberside airport to the RAF base was very un-organised.

BAE Systems as a whole provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). this provides support for a variety of problems, including at work and at home. There is also a variety of contacts available to speak to including supervisors (some of which are trained in dealing with mental health), instructors and training support officers/HR

The first year is instructor lead therefore there is an instructor, who is knowledgeable in the subject, that is available to help with and questions/queries that someone may have. In the second year, whilst on base, you are in teams therefore most of the support comes from the rest of your team but in relation to the qualifications there is an NVQ team onsite that support any learning needs as well as acting as a first point of contact/supervisor.

The qualification I have received has allowed me to develop on/off aircraft maintenance skills as well as personal skills and knowledge such as human factors, various aspects of husbandry as well as aircraft specific authorisations. these have allowed me to perform better in my role by providing me the skills specific to my job as well as broadening my knowledge.

There isn't any work specific extra-curricular activities unless you/your cohort do something. There is various charity events that we participated in as an extra-curricular activity. These include yearly events including the Hull Soap Box race, a charity walk from Brough to Humberside Airport. and various other events, all organised by your or another cohort.

Yes

BAE Systems is a very good company to work for. There is always support when you need it, even when the apprenticeship is complete. The work is great and every working day is different. The pay is good and there is also a share incentive scheme, which allows employees to put pay into shares and receive an equal amount also in shares.

Have a good read about the course you will be doing. It does require a good amount of knowledge even for the lower level courses. The application process is relatively straight forward and the interviews will be half a day long, including a single task, team task and an interview. Most of the assessments are carried out online at home and include basic maths and English.