Aircraft Maintenance Review

My role includes the general maintenance of aircraft. It widens to specific tasks which are delegated by either line or base maintenance. Tasks can be anything from visual checks, changing components or simply troubleshooting. Tasks which require more in depth maintenance are normally completed by a more experienced engineer, but my role would be to assist and support these.

I have learnt many new skills during this apprenticeship. I have acquired aircraft knowledge on the different systems that are used to safe guard the aircraft and the people within it. I have also developed my problem solving skills and been encouraged to use my own initiative. My hand skills have been greatly developed, learning how to accurately follow engineering drawings and produce components that match the specifications required.

I enjoy the programme very much. It has been a very rewarding experience. I have learnt numerous things, and developed a new found passion for the aviation industry. Not just the maintenance that is specific to my job role. It’s been good to meet and network with a range of different people.

I think the overall structure of the programme is good, the training is very time specific and needs to be followed thoroughly to complete the course within the allocated time at the training centre. I like that we then have time in our work environments to learn the skills we have been taught before being authorised to carry out work unmonitored. However I think the 3rd additional year may be unnecessary for certain candidates.

I have a fair amount of support from my employer. Whilst at the training provider, most of my support comes from the centre at the moment. Any problems that others may have had my employers have been more than happy to support them through it when needed. It is difficult to remain in regular contact direct with my employer in this stage of the apprenticeship.

Support from the instructors who teach us the course is second to none. They are willing to give up their own time to support us in any way they can. They are really dedicated to our learning. Management in the training centre could be reminded that even though some students partaking the apprenticeship are young, some are not. There is sometimes a sense of being back at a college or school, rather than a place of work or learning centre. Which for older apprentices can be a bit shock, as we are used to being treated like those in a work setting.

The qualifications I am working towards will help me so much within the job role I will have. Without it I don’t think I would be as confident going to my place of worms with out it. I think the depth and knowledge the instructors provide is more than what is in the syllabus. It is life experiences and a look into the reality of what jobs I will be doing.

Within my work placement at the moment, there aren’t any extra curricular activities to get involved in. The other apprentices do make time to get together in the evenings, either to socialise or help each other with the work load we have. Group revision is another thing we have adopted in our cohort.

Yes

British Airways has not only given me the opportunity to develop new skills, but has given me a chance to pursue a career. It has allowed me to learn whilst earning a wage. A factor which is very important being older than most apprentices and having financial commitments to maintain.

I would try to advise others to be as committed and positive as they can. This apprenticeship is very intense for the first year, but the things you’ll learn is amazing. When applying I would suggest being as honest and proactive as possible, I had no prior aviation experience before entering this programme. British Airways see that a person with the right attitude, willingness to learn and relevant experience and skills are someone who is worth giving the opportunity too.