Undergraduate Engineering Apprentice Review

I am a Fuel Systems Engineer. This role mainly involves working with Suppliers to source and design equipment, understanding top-level aircraft requirements and translating them into technical requirements, using software to simulate systems and flight missions and liaising with operators. I work closely with the whole department as we share our knowledge and strengths with each other, however if I am completing a task (such as a report) then I am solely responsible for the completion of that task.

The biggest skill I have developed is my public speaking skill (alongside my confidence). Airbus provides a wide range of core training, including public speaking training, however the opportunities I have had to practice and implement this skill have been countless. As a result of this, my confidence has skyrocketed - when I first joined Airbus, I was very shy and reluctant to introduce myself to new colleagues, however now I enjoy getting to know new people and tell them about myself. Another skill I have improved is my time management skill - not only is this needed in the office, as you are often carrying out multiple tasks at a time, but it is also needed to balance work and university.

I enjoy being able to meet new people and that my progression is self-directed, i.e. I can pick what teams I work in and what area of the business I want to see. The biggest help is that the culture in the office is very inclusive, and I have been welcomed into every team that I have worked in. In terms of office environment, my expectations have been exceeded as everybody is there to help and support each other. I enjoy having my own responsibility over my work life - i.e. choosing where to work, and flexitime allowing me to choose when to work (within reason).

When I first joined, the programme was not very well structured. We spent the first year in college full time, which was not communicated to us until our start date. The communication between the company and the college was abysmal and the quality of learning undertaken at the college was very poor. It was unclear how we would take holiday being full time at college, and we were not told how sickness absences work. After the first year, and beginning to work on site, things greatly improved, including a change in managers. Whilst there are still issues with the managers not having enough time to listen to the apprentices, they have taken on board all the feedback and changed the college training provider and implemented better training to understand how the business works (i.e. holidays/sickness absence). My experience in terms of organisation has been poor in the past, however it is steadily improving.

The support received is inconsistent and dependent on who I speak to. The support from my HR Line Manager is generally good, however they are overworked and do not have the time to fully understand and support with my issues. For the HR Line Manager role to be effective, they need more personnel as they currently manage far too many people to be an effective manager. If I speak to my Target Area Owner, whilst they have other responsibilities as well as looking after Early Careers within Fuel Systems, they are not as overworked and will do their best to listen to and help my concerns (or achievements). I am also assigned to a functional group, where my group leader is very involved with my development and is always willing to assist me. As well as this, I am able to speak to anybody within the office for support, and I will always be pointed in the right direction for the level of support required.

When I attended the college, the support was poor. It was only through my peers that I could obtain support. When attending the university, the support is much better as resources are always properly documented and accessible, lecturers are contactable, tutorials are provided and there are external activities which are designed to help students that are struggling. I feel very supported by the university.

I believe that my qualification is important for my basic understanding, however as with any degree the taught theory will differ greatly to the applied knowledge. The work that I carry out in the office would not be possible to teach in a classroom or through coursework, however I can see the link between the theory of the degree and the work.

There are far too many activities within work to count. Sports is a big part of the culture, with running and cycling activities, marathons, mini Olympics and circuits to name a few. Every team I have worked in has done social activities to help the team bond, i.e. lunches, meditation classes, even axe-throwing! There are also many professional events to get involved in as well as social, just by asking around - for example I attended the 50 Year Anniversary Concorde dinner with HRH Princess Anne!

Yes

I would recommend Airbus as whilst there have been difficulties, I have grown a tremendous amount both professionally and as a person. The work experience I have now is invaluable, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my Apprenticeship so far. This aside, the salary is very competitive, the degree is paid for and there are several benefits such as the Bike to Work scheme and Success Sharing.

Ask as many questions as you can during your application process. If you are moving from a different city, then sort out housing early. Attend as many welcome events as you can to try and understand more about the scheme and also meet the other apprentices that you will be working with, as you will be working very closely with them for the next 4 years!