Aircraft maintenance apprentice Review

Aircraft defect rectification, troubleshooting, working with engineers, making sure aircraft are fit to fly. Casualty, servicing and line maintenance work. Small item replacement right up to engine change and defect repair. Liaising with lead engineer to see what jobs they want done and to do them in a professional manager.

I learn Mechanical handskills, electrical handskills, component replacement, human factors, electrical wiring safety, SAP training, teamworking skills, working with a team, leadership when at Kemble and assigne duty student, wirelocking, using tools, electrical component replacement, revision skills, following instructions, using manuals, using pinpoint, asking for help or clarification if required.

I do enjoy it as there is a big team spirit behind everyone. Everyone is passionate about their job. There is a big deal of job satisfaction. There are frustrations though such as lack of spare parts, which mean you can't do a task if the parts are not available. I think that some of the benefits colleagues (not just apprentices) get across the business could be improved, especially with £1.9bn profit.

There is a structure and I have been quite lucky with my placements. We have 6 month placements. I have been in MMU and I am going to tech 6. Some people were asked to go to terminals at short notice which I think is unfair. I think more notice could be provided of an upcoming shift change.

The employees on the shop floor are very good and will always help you to achieve what you need. For example I needed some lights to change for my NVQ and one of the avionic technicians ensured I had plenty to change on the following shift. Communication could be better at times.

There is a lot of support in place. Our assessor is regularly available at Heathrow and replies promptly to any queries I may have. The support at kemble is also good, there is a dedicated apprenticeship team there and all of the instructors will do anything they can to help you.

My licence that I gain through the examinations will be extremely valuable to my career, however the NVQ itself I do not believe will be as important. It is a licence that airlines want to see, not just a qualification that someone could have gain from college. It is a good qualification to have and is relevant but I just think that it won't really be important if applying to jobs in the future.

BA do provide these and you can do as little or as much as you want. There are groups on yammer which you can join and get involved with. You can also do charity events for flying start. We have an apprentice forum every year where all apprentices meet and network together.

Yes

There are endless career opportunities within the company and you can go all over the world. They provide your accommodation for the first year when at Kemble. Your A licence course is fully funded. Lots of people on the shop floor are more than happy to help you when needed. The OCG contract is not the best but they do provide a lot in the apprenticeship.

Have experience in maintenance or engineering of anything, be it a go kart or a car or even a computer. Research the company and know why you are applying. Be prepared for hard work. Have examples of working in teams, working alone, working on a project etc ready to say to your interviewer.