Craft apprenticeship Review

The first year I spent at college. It was a good stepping stone and preparation into work for Airbus. I'm currently in my second year and I've spent 6 week placements on each department in step change. I've had a good variety of work ranging from drilling and bolting the wing skins into the spars to seeing the process begin at station 5 and structures. I've been hands on with lots of tools.

Obviously I have developed skills with manual work by being hands on with the tools but I have also learned other skills like working as part of a team and getting to know new people. I have worked in the offices too and got a good insight into how operations are carried out off of the shop floor.

I really enjoy it and I am looking forward to my next placement. We move to other departments in the factory every 6 months to get a feel and knowledge of the work we need to carry out. I like the amount of encouragement and help I get from my NVQ assessor and I have also made new friends who all have the same motivation as I do for working at Airbus.

The work I do for my NVQ on site isnt really structured as I have the choice of what jobs to do to meet certain criteria but my assessor always gives helpful advice on what jobs I should be looking at doing next to hit certain criteria. The NVQ in college on day release is structured and we are given a clear path of what assignments need completing and for when. I do think that it could be spread out a bit more rather than have 2 week deadlines for assignments because we are finished with the unit many weeks in advance of the summer holidays.

I receive support whenever requested but other than that I don't have much contact with my manager. I do however receive support and advice from the process managers I have on my department whenever I ask for it. At the start of my apprenticeship I had some mental health issues and some struggles but my manager at the time was extremely helpful and offered me advice and booked me into speak to a counsellor in college and on site at Airbus

The support in coleg Cambria is very good and I have no issues. The tutors are very helpful when we ask questions and when we are not sure about a question on assignments. My NVQ assessor based on site is also extremely helpful and is helpful when I am not sure about something as opposed to be annoyed that I don't know the answer.

The training in the first year was helpful as we got hands on with new tools such as drills, rivet guns, files etc. We use a lot of these tools in the factory so it was good to get some practice as we made the scanner mount bracket. We were taught some engineering terms which have also come in handy in the factory so we can now understand what is being discussed e.g. rads, pipped holes, cocked/proud etc. Some subjects have been more helpful than others such as theory of flight and health and safety. Other subjects such as business haven't been very beneficial to us as we will be finishing the apprenticeship and qualified for a "blue collar" role.

There is a group in Airbus called Gen A which offers the opportunity to apprentices to take part in activities with other apprentices such as go karting, plane spotting, football and even going on nights out together around Chester. There are charity nights at the sports and social club at Broughton. The latest one was a band night where you can sing on a karaoke or if you play an instrument, you can perform on stage. Coleg Cambria offer similar activities but we've not been invited to attend any of these.

Yes

I have already recommended Airbus to a group of friends who will be applying next year. Although there is a lot of work to be done, this is easily manageable if you sacrifice a few hours per week at home to do your work. The work life balance is brilliant as it is 35 hours per week when qualified with a very good salary at the end of it. There is plenty of opportunity to be promoted in the company, it is about making a good impression and showing that you are keen and willing to learn. Airbus will even fund you to attend university in some cases if you show how motivated you are to progress.

I would say be yourself in the interview process (if you reach that step) and show your excitement to be employed by one of the best companies in the world. Do some revision on mechanical principles, English and some basic maths equations (some algebra, know your calculations for working out area, diameter etc). Re read ALL the questions as it's important in Airbus to have a good eye for detail and not miss anything. Answer as many questions as you can to show you've at least tried, don't leave any blanks. If you get to the group assessment stage (final stage), dress smart, be 15 minutes early, be vocal and greet other applicants. Show that you are a team player and have ideas. In the assessment, do not try to take charge and come across as bossy (being a leader is fine). Listen to other people's ideas and give people opportunity to speak. If they seem a bit shy, take it upon yourself to include them (ask them personally if they have any ideas or what their thoughts are). Don't dismiss any ideas. Discuss them logically. Airbus like team players!!