Aircraft Fitter Review

As an apprentice fitter, my day to day role involves a variety of fitting work on military aircraft, ranging from sub-assemblies to full aircraft. This has included the manufacture of structures and sub-assemblies as well as the equipping of parts such as fuel systems and panels. My day to day work involves working along side a skilled operator who shows me how to do the work so that i am less likely to make mistakes.

Yes, through out the apprenticeship I have learn and developed many engineering skills that help me with my role such as riveting and drilling. I have also developed personal skills including communication and initiative which helps me with my job and should help me to progress within the company. The combination of all the skills i have learn and are learning helps me do better at my job.

On most days i really enjoy the apprenticeship. As I am quite a hands on learner I enjoy this style of learning much more than fully college based learning. The people i work with have always been friendly and enjoyable to work with. The timescales are very appropriate meaning i don't spend too much time worrying about deadlines and getting paperwork done.

Some of the programme is really well organised and works very smoothly. In my year of the apprenticeship several things have changed so we have sometimes been going into things that aren't fully known yet as we are a first. Sometimes it has been an issue to get clarity on what is happening and how it may effect us.

The employer is generally very supportive throughout the apprenticeship. They do this by providing me with adequate placements to complete the work I need to do. They also pay a reasonable wage which helps support me outside of work and with my commute to work. They provide all the equipment I require so that I don't have to purchase it myself.

The training provider provides plenty of time for me to carry out my work for my qualifications. This includes one day a week for focusing on college work as well as having lessons on the subjects we are studying. NVQ work can be completed in works time with the permission of your supervisor and assessor.

My qualification helps me to understand the area of work better, this includes things such as learning about processes, health and safety and documents used in the work such as drawings. Gaining these qualifications can then help me to progress through out the business into higher roles if I feel like doing so in the future.

The company offers many extra-curricular activities such as German Exchange, Princes Trust, Outward Bound and STEM events to name a few. I took part in the German Exchange programme which involved hosting an apprentice from Germany at work for 3 weeks showing him how we do stuff over here before going out to Germany for 3 weeks for him to do the same.

Yes

I would recommend BAE systems to a friend because it is a company that is constantly developing. The jobs at the company are generally very interesting and the pay is quite good. The company value they're apprentices and nearly all apprentices carry on working with the company long after finishing the apprenticeship so it can be a job for life.

For people applying to BAE systems, I would first recommend finding out things about the company and becoming passionate about what they do because the company prefers to hire people who will be passionate about the job. They should become aware of how their skills can benefit the company and learn how to show them off.