Undergraduate Apprentice -- Wing Structures Review

Wing Structures Apprentice: Varies on 3 monthly bias as we choose our placements. 3D Design work in CAD, producing models and engineering drawings for production/suppliers Stress and fatigue work (making sure the structure is strong enough and will last the life of the aircraft). Data analytics - Looking at past work/calculations and working on improvements Project Management - Leading Engineers and managing large scale tests Future Projects - Conceptual Design work, performance estimations STEM/Outreach events

I have developed many new skills these include, but are not limited to; Data analytics Coding in VBA, MATHCAD, MATLAB and Python Solidworks and CATIA CAD design Large range of Structural analysis (stress work) on both metallic and compostite structures Metallic and compostite hand skills Project and people Management Soft skills

Huge variety of tasks/work and roles. Lots of external and internal opportunities. Enjoy designing and working with next generation of aircraft - great sense of fulfillment. Challenging work, never quite sure what is coming next. Given responsibility and feeling very much part of the team. Doing my part for environment, weight and fuel savings on aircraft. However work is very bureaucratic and often very corporate organization means it can be difficult.

Generally the structure is clear, however there have been issues with training provider that lead to uncertainty. The structure inside the workplace is very good, outside the workplace is generally okay, yet there is not much communication between the two, which has previously lead to conflicts of interest and difficulties.

My employeer is generally very supporative. It is often very difficult to work and study at the same time, especially when deadlines are coming up for both. My managers are very understanding and help me to work more flexible during these times. This still ends up with excessive work and very long nights, but helps with managing it and the work is acceptable levels. My manager has been exceptionally supportative with issues I've had.

Training provider is okay. Work load is generally okay, but very peaky. They mould the course to fit the apprentices well, but this can lead to lack of options. Lack of open communication between training provider and workplace can lead to difficulties. Uni itself has been very supportive with issues I've had.

At least 4 separate occasions been studying at uni and used the techniques the next day at work, especially with university Structural Analysis and when I've been working on this sort of project in work. Lots of use of similar software at Uni/Work Metallics and compostite knowledge and skills learnt during NVQ lvl2 has been applied while (re)designing components

Lots of STEM outreach, career events at schools. Internal school programs to nuture struggling students into a career in aviation, or to improve their soft skills and give them some professional experience. Range of social activities with other Early Careers and full time employees. Professional accreditation, including regular evening lectures outside of normal uni work, both with accreditation body and similar aerospace companies.

Yes

Huge variety of tasks/work and roles. Lots of external and internal opportunities. Enjoy designing and working with next generation of aircraft - great sense of fulfillment. Challenging work, never quite sure what is coming next. Given responsibility and feeling very much part of the team. Doing my part for environment, weight and fuel savings on aircraft. Great start to my career, lots of opportunites when I come of scheme. However work is very bureaucratic and often very corporate organization means it can be difficult.

Open mindedness Taking all available opportunites Making sure to shape your placements and work to what you enjoy and will get the most from Making the most of the wealth of opportunies to learn from those at work to help with university work. Making the most to practice uni work on real world applications.