Undergraduate Engineering Apprentice Review

Once a week we spend in University off site, for the rest of the week we work in the Factory in rotating placements as Design, Mechanical Engineering and Quality. Currently I am working in Lineside Quality Support for Stage 03 of Wing Production. This involves checks and process confirmations across the production of the wing through these stages, as well as inspections before delivery and operator feedbacks. Previously, I have worked with the design upkeep of the aircraft, and process developments within the business. Along side this day to day, we have to complete and manage projects for constant business improvement, from the introduction of new tooling and processes, to the creation support features or management / logistical support.

Within Airbus, and the course, CAD and CAM skills will be highly developed and worked with, especially within Design Departments. Old and New Systems are constantly used within the company and skills with the general digital environment will be built up. Simple hand skills and technical knowledge will be taught from a very early stage, and a large amount of technical and scientific knowledge of materials, processes and build philosophy will be naturally built up. You can and will learn about the construction, purpose and issue of near all parts of an aircraft.

The company has a good team atmosphere, both internationally, across site, and within individual teams. The apprentice culture is built and strengthened through the Apprentice and Early Careers network "Gen-A" who organize event, language clubs, trip, charity event, and sports - similar to Uni socials in a way. Personally, I was expecting less of a pleasant and sociable environment in the workplace, and have enjoyed most areas of the business.

The programme within Airbus is well organised, the Early Careers team are often available to help, and the Training on site is amazing, and useful. The departments we are placed in all want apprentices and usually try to train you up on the job, giving you a good idea of the kind of work you would be doing within the department. The work you are given usually matches the level you can and are willing to work at. The training provider is very supportive within the business, when performing the NVQ Lvl 4. The onsite members of the College are incredible and willing to help in a moments notice. However, some of the Academic Staff are less available as we are only part of their overall job, and so some of the Degree Work and Study can be a challenge, especially with the limited time due to work.

Airbus supports us with work and training for the everyday, gives us access to softwares and tech we require (work laptops, phones etc). Any issue with the degree or training where we require additional support is swiftly taken care of. The company is extremely good at helping when struck with illness, grievance and unforeseen circumstances and will help to make any kind of adjustments to make working life easier. The support team and mentors are available to meet up where and when you need, and generally guidance with any issues is readily available with your placement as well as with the Early Careers Team.

We receive many levels of Qualification via Coleg Cambria ( and Swansea University through them). Coleg Cambrias PEO Qualification (Vocational Training Qualification) is ran on site by the Technical Training Officers, who are helpful and supportive with the PEO work and certificates. We also do a Level 4 NVQ we do on site are supported by Coleg Cambria representatives on site, who are both organised, supportive and respectful. They are extremely helpful in the business at both working toward the qualification, as well as helping when running into any problems within the business unrelated to the qualification. The degree tutors as a whole are more difficult to get support off. They are based off site, which makes it difficult, and are less open to specific problems which can come up due to the fact the all of our work environments are extremely varied. Often it is expected that we have knowledge upon topic we have not yet experienced within our business, and it can be difficult to find parts/topics/projects in some areas of / placements within the company, and the degree team offers little support here. The degree itself has more flexible deadlines due to the lack of foresight and communication which can occur between the University, College and / or Company. However, the overall support is sufficient to complete the degree with support from the Company.

The degree is useful as background information for the workplace, but unless you are working in a department which specifically works on a module topic area its limited. The NVQ is extremely useful as it targets specific areas of the business which allows you to experience a range of topics and work.

Gen-A or Generation Airbus is a grouped network of recent Grads, Apprentices and Interns within the company. They organise a huge number of events. All new apprentices are invited to bonding events such as Go Karting or Paintballing. Weekly, there are language clubs to learn French, German and other languages, there is a Weekly Football training session, and they are planning to do the same for Netball. They organise group walks, Guest Speakers, Charity Tournaments, Trips to Airports and other areas of interest and so much more. The company sends us on an outward bound expedition with Suppliers and Linked Companies in our first year as well which is an great experience. There is the opportunity to go to France or Germany for those who are performing well, during the 3rd Year of the Degree. Finally, internal teams you work in organise work team bonding events, and Team engagement which you are often included within.

Yes

It is a free degree - that could be enough anyways. It is also a great company to work for, no matter your interests. There is opportunity to get involved is so many areas of the business, as well as move around to other countries after your apprenticeship. If the company is not for you, the degree is not Airbus Specific, it is a degree which is applicable elsewhere. Although you will never get the "Uni experience", there is certainly enough to make up for that, and the Chester, Liverpool and Manchester are a relatively short distance away and easily accessible so socialising with friends and going to specific event or locations is in no way limited.

Be honest and open. The company is not looking for the smartest, or the most forward person. They are looking for specific qualities within a person which match the company outlook and values. You can train anybody to do certain processes with enough time, so they look beyond a skillset. Interviews are based on "Competency", and giving examples of specific times where you have show certain qualities.