Engineering Undergraduate Apprentice Review

My role as a Wing Structures targeted apprentice evolves as I do different placements around the business departments. In my first placement I was on A320family in a static stress role carrying out load analysis for flow modifications. In my second placement I was in Quality engineering for A330 where I was responsible for carrying out root cause analysis, lessons learnt, and for coordinating the implementation of the first of a new design review process for wing engineering. I then did a placement carrying out research on Additive Manufacturing looking at a technology screening for new machinery and also working on and leading the Airbus input into a project on inspection using XCT with the National Physical Laboratory. I am now in a design placement in A350 where I am looking at clash studies for some future part geometry changes.

I have learnt many new skills both in a technical aspect and in terms of soft skills. I have developed my communication, leadership, and presentation skills through practical experiences of leading projects and presenting to stakeholders. For technical skills I have developed my CAD skills, my materials knowledge, my understanding of the intricacies of additive manufacturing, and my general aircraft structures knowledge.

I really enjoy the programme I am on in Airbus as I get the chance to see various parts of the business and contribute to various projects. In Airbus there is a positive community for Apprentices, Interns and Graduates called Gen-A which is very good to get any help or information from people in similar situations.

The aspect of the programme that is based in work is generally well organized with a strong support network from TAOs, more senior apprentices, and several ex apprentices in the business. The aspect of the programme that is in college/university is very poorly organized which has led to us doing some third year modules before doing their second year prerequisites, which can cause difficulty completing coursework and doing well in exams.

The support from my employer is excellent, with various channels available to get information or help from others. As an apprentice I have a HR Early Careers manager for education and general programme related information, a TAO for technical contacts and networking to help facilitate placements, and an IENG mentor to help guide my development and assist in building up a portfolio of work suitable for IENG accreditation.

There is very limited support from both the college and the university when it comes to specifically supporting the different needs of apprentices and part time students. This isn't something that seems to be the case with full time students at the same university from discussions I have had with them.

The qualifications I am undertaking, BEng Aerospace, L2 NVQ and L4 NVQ, are fairly good at preparing me to perform better in my role. This is because there is lots of content covered teaching us what is needed to be a stress engineer, but for design roles there is very little covered that is relatable to the work encountered within Airbus.

There are lots of extra curricular activities to get involved in at Airbus such as, sports teams, charity work, STEM outreach programmes, social events and various communities. There are regular technical talks given by various project leads to the Gen-A community which are very good networking opportunities, and good chances to find out about new ideas for placements.

Yes

There are several reasons why I would recommend Airbus to other people. Firstly there are lots of progression, personal development, and internal mobility opportunities within the company. Also there are good company policies on success sharing, shares purchase opportunities, and pension choices. Finally the culture within Airbus is on the whole very open, friendly, and helpful.

To anyone applying to Airbus the advice I would give would be; to show your enthusiasm for the industry and for aircraft, and to demonstrate you fit into the Airbus values both in any cover letter and any interview, these values are on the Airbus website and are the foundation of the atmosphere and environment within Airbus.