Apprentice Aircraft maintenence engineer Review

First 2 years was learning and passing EASA modules at Humberside with BAE systems. Then I'm onto my 3rd year now which will be completed on base and I will work in different area and then finally get to work on some jets to complete this apprenticeship with BAE.

Since starting my knowledge of aircraft was very very minimal, however with the first 2 years I have learnt lots about the materials and systems used on an aircraft. Furthermore I have also developed my hand skills within the workshops working on metals with filing, drilling and other useful tasks.

The initial start of the apprenticeship was great, the idea of the role I would be doing and the personal development seemed great, I later found this to be the light before the tunnel, I know its backwards to the saying but that's the point. days got worse as mental health got worse.

Again from the outside this looked great. However the weekly change of plan took its toll on us. the structure changed no end and the firm confirmation of dates for the guys in our cohort for such important details kept on changing and this was not acceptable at all now.

From the employer we didn't get much support at all other than us putting our points forward and the welfare officer telling us to quit if we didn't like it. The best support we received was from instructors who were a constant reassurance and helped me a lot.

The support from the training providers were really good, they helped out more than enough and we couldn't have thanked them enough, especially certain individuals who we gave gifts too on our departure of the place. this team deserves a lot more credit than they often receive by all.

The key knowledge received in the training was too an extremely high standards however it covered the civilian role better than the military roles that we would be put into. Therefore the training would help if we were to leave the roles that we are in currently and could move to civilian.

Within the apprenticeship there weren't many extra-curricular task that we could take part in. the only one which was run was a soapbox challenge in the first year, however this was turned down in the second year when we were keen to try and do better than the first year.

Yes

The company itself is known as one of the best in the world in this industry, I don't think that you couldn't recommend it to anyone, the benefits received are amazing if you take part in them, so I don't think that I should let me experience stop anyone else.

If your applying for this apprenticeship make sure to get you head down for the first year or two and pass the exams as they are the hardest think that could come your way. Get together in groups and make sure you pull each other together. The company is far bigger and better than at Humberside so don't let that place stop your personal growth and use it as a stepping stone to the bigger world.