Engineering Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis I follow technicians to various faults on systems under their stations care. During this maintenance activity it is my role to aid where I can such as having tools ready and observe the steps taken so I will one day be able to carry out this procedure and fix the problem myself. When on a new fault I'll ask how the system functions, this will give me a better understanding of where I should look for errors one day on my own.

Without doubt. Many facilities and systems at Gatwick Airport are very specialist and I've learnt many relevant skills both theoretically and practically since joining and what keeps the engineering systems up and running efficiently 24/7. Working amongst a variety of people has also hugely developed my confidence and communication when discussing plans and strategies to fault diagnose errors allowing us to get the system up and running again. Topics covered at college will massively develop skills such as producing hand tools, during this you use a lot of hand tools that you will often use at the airport.

Having so far completed 2 of the 4 years I am still enjoying every aspects of the apprenticeship from day to day work onsite at the airport to attending college one day a week to then taking part in either STEM events (Science Technology Engineering Maths) or promotional events at a school. Being 22 years old and having previously completed 2 years of college straight out of school, I first thought I would struggle going back. However, being taught subjects that relate to work at Gatwick makes studying much easier.

I think the programme has recently become very well organised and structured. There are plans throughout each year of the apprenticeship such as full time college for the first year then day release in the second to complete a level 3 qualification. Completion of the second year then opens the options of continuing education and achieving a HNC. Whilst on site all us apprentices are told well in advance of the stations we will progress through and the stations know too.

As an apprentice we receive plenty of support from many people at Gatwick. Upon joining the airport all new apprentices are allocated individual mentors that are there to answer any questions you have or any worries you may face, related to work, college or external issues in which they can react from.

You can receive as little or as much support as is required at East Surrey College. Before being given any assignment the lecturers make sure we have covered all topics the assignment will question us on. The lecturers are also very willing to help cover topics after class or provide sources where helpful information can be found. During level 2 and 3 assignments, if narrowly missing the answer they are looking for, support will be given by your lecturer by leaving comments of how to meet the criteria for your next submission.

A lot of the topics covered in our qualification at college are applicable to work at Gatwick which I believe helps me perform in my role better. There are some topics that don't currently relate so accurately to my day to day role for example, topics regarding design. However that doesn't mean I'll never use it. One day I could be involved in projects at Gatwick airport where it does become useful. A subject called hand fitted tools has been most helpful to this day as it involves the use of various tools that are often used in the hands on roles as a Gatwick engineer.

There are often extra curricular activities to get involved with during the apprenticeship and after where we visit schools and colleges to promote working at Gatwick. I personally really enjoy getting involved with these events as we take activities that the students can compete in. Whilst at the school or college it allows us to open up different opportunities that the students didn't know we offered through the apprenticeship.

Yes

The apprenticeship offers what can be an amazing career path. With nationally recognised qualifications that are paid for you I don't see why anyone wouldn't apply. Learning to fix and maintain specialist pieces of equipment with many components no days are often the same. Achieving all this and earning a good salary let alone for an apprentice is why I would and have recommended the opportunity to friends.

I'd suggest familiarise yourself with the airport by learning facts and statistics related to Gatwick, they may not come up in the interview but it will be noted making you look genuinely interested and enthusiastic if they do. If successful with your application and being given the apprenticeship it's important to work hard, investing the right amount of time into you studies will see you achieve distinctions during level 2 and 3 throughout college. Whilst on site remember you'll be expected to fix the problem one day so pay attention when on faults and think proactively like what tools can you have ready and what responsibility can you take on to see the job through. I cant stress enough if you don't know, ask! You're an apprentice therefore you're not expected to know everything. You'll work with a variety of people but as long as you remain hard working and enthusiastic you'll go far.