Trainee Maintenance Technician Review

First a 16 month stint in the classroom learning the inner workings of aircraft systems, paired with several months in the practical workshops developing fine hand skills and knowledge of tooling, closely followed by Training to become an aircraft maintenance technician while working on live aircraft first at the academy and then at a RAF base.

I have learnt how to use a wide variety of tooling ranging from simple hand tools such as saws, files, sockets sets to much more complex tooling such as sheet metal benders, metal shears and even how to rivet, this also included maintaining a good surface finish on my work pieces.

As a whole I have enjoyed the experience of this program, although being in the classroom for so long was very strenuous and I found it to be very taxing on me. I enjoyed my time in the workshop as the work was more practical and hands on which is the style of work I prefer

The structure of the course itself was overall quite disappointing. This was due to the first 16 months being in the classroom and getting no time for practical work, followed by all of our practical work in the last 8 months. Doing a more blended version of learning would have been much more effective

Support from our employer seem to vary from time to time. As a whole the company has a structured basis for you to seek support when you need it but this process can seem very complex which would often have a negative effect leading to avoiding discussing issues and coping on your own.

When in the classrooms and workshops themselves the instructors would always go out of their way to help whenever they could. They all had a wealth of knowledge on their subjects of matter, because of this if you ever had a question you found someone would be able to assist whenever possible.

My qualification has given me a large base knowledge of the aircraft systems I work on. This allows me to more confidently take part in activities in the work place as I have a base knowledge of most tasks that are undertaken. If in any event I am unsure I can always ask for help so no problems should arise.

Although I tend to avoid them myself due to preferring my own time outside of work, many events are scheduled by the company should you wish to take part. these range from sponsored bike rides, hikes and even bake sales. All of which are in place to raise money for a wide range of charities.

Yes

Although it has had its ups and downs working here that's part of life. I fully believe working here has given me a good start in my career and that it cold do this for anyone should they choose to apply themselves properly and strive to achieve in their workplace.

Be aware the course can be very heavily classroom based for long stretches of time and that frequent examinations take place, the pressure from these can really build up if you fail a few and have resits stacking up. The practical phases of the course are much better and feel more rewarding upon completion