Aircraft Mechanic Trainee Review

Aircraft Maintenance on hangar floor. Arrive at the hangar, a suitable time beforehand to clock in put on PPE etc. Then prepare work area, making sure that the area is suitable to work in (Tidy and Safe) as well as opening slot Tool Kit, ensuring that all tools are accounted for and are in a serviceable condition to then get started with the tasks given.

Initially taught at the academy with the theory and a fair amount of practical, hands on training. Then when all exams were passed to a suitable standard, moved on to work on a RAF base to gain further skills and experience. Regular courses are attended to gain and renew authorisations that apprentices need to carry out their jobs as well as keeping them up to date with health and safety.

Thoroughly enjoy it now that I've passed the exams and are on a RAF base, the days at the academy were occasionally tedious and very stressful due to the exams but the staff at the academy tried their best to make it less so and it all the hard work paid off in the end.

Firstly the Academy, first year of the apprenticeship. The learning structure was thought out and planned rather well, very generous with the time given to the apprentices and did allow for numerous delays but, rightly so, didn't delay the whole cohorts apprenticeship on the account of one or two individuals. The practical tasks were placed in suitable intervals so that that section of the apprenticeship being studied in the classroom tied in with the practical task and allowed students to gain a more thorough understanding of the subject.

The employing company supported our learning by giving us tablets to study off of as well as paying for accommodation during year one of the apprenticeship as well as transportation to and from the academy. Additional support was offered to apprentices with learning difficulties. If an apprentice didn't really understand something then an instructor would often take time to explain after class to make sure the apprentice then understood, having a higher chance of passing the exam.

The training provider supported our learning by giving us tablets to study off of as well as paying for accommodation during year one of the apprenticeship as well as transportation to and from the academy. Additional support was offered to apprentices with learning difficulties. If an apprentice didn't really understand something then an instructor would often take time to explain after class to make sure the apprentice then understood, having a higher chance of passing the exam.

The qualification that I'm working towards would help me out in the role as the second year of the apprenticeship is gaining experience in the actual place my role would take place and I am acting out that role now. the second year definitely does help and all of the exams were mandatory to actually achieve the maintenance licence.

No. There are no extra-curricular activities, clubs or groups to get involved in at work for BAE employees. However, there is a football pitch that we can rent for a match.

Yes

Because it is Brilliant! You do need to focus and pay full attention at the academy to pass the exams and it very stressful and definitely not easy-going but if you do work hard and try your hardest you will succeed, passing the first year. The second year is when the fun actually begins, it is what the whole first year is preparing you for and it just feels so rewarding for all those days and nights you spent studying.

First of all actually have an interest in engineering, it does help a lot if you actually have an interest in your job otherwise you're not going to last long or enjoy it. For the whole first year you definitely need to be studying a good majority of the time, during the working week as well as in your own time. However it is also important that you do have a good portion of time completely away from work, so try and find a balance between the two. You will come to realise in your second year that all of your hard work pays off.