Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Undertaking various training sections to begin with in a designated training facility. Rotated round different engineering areas for stints of a few weeks to develop skills and understanding to work towards a Level 2 diploma in Aerospace Engineering. After 7 months moving into the business for real work placements. The work depends on the placement and the area of the business but genuinely contributes to the company.

Yes, the dedicated training time and facilities expand anyone's knowledge, skills and understanding of engineering work and disciplines. Even with a very strong background you will still learn a lot. When entering the business a huge amount of more specific skills and knowledge is taken on board.

The programme is very good and fulfilling but can often encounter frustrating road blocks and inefficiencies. The company clearly invests a lot into apprentices and it shows and that is very encouraging. There are some things in early on training that has clearly not been planned enough ahead or thought through. This leads to having not enough time to complete work and other times left a bit idle. Many attempted resolutions or changes are poorly communicated and you often feel like you are being kept in the dark or just ignored which can be frustrating.

The early training element of the programme often feels poorly planned and organised. It seems like the business did not act early enough to accommodate or plan for a larger intake of apprentices than previous years. This shows in many elements early on in the apprenticeship as dates are chopped and changed and communication is mixed as clear information is often not available or broadcasted. The structure of the programme on the whole is good and it is clear that it has worked for the company for many years to train quality apprentices, but the organisation within it at a more detailed level is suffering. The structure and organisation with the Uni/college is very good and well communicated.

The business has dedicated staff for apprentices and the ratios of apprentices to staff is excellent. The Skills Coaches are very involved to track, monitor and aid your personal development and someone is always available to talk to. This is true for health and wellbeing too, with many designated and known people to talk to and 'mental health first-aiders'. The trainers/instructors/assessors are all knowledgeable and supportive and the small group sizes while training aides this further. Although communication is sometimes lacking for administrative issues, anything else is dealt with great support.

The training provider is excellent. The small class sizes are fantastic especially in comparison to what you would expect from full time university as the apprentices from the business are treated as one group (not mixed with other students). This means that the teaching staff are able to be very supportive and available for any queries or needs for support. The training provider also provides facilities, staff and support for things such as help with digital and written literacy. Computers can be remote access and online learning material is easily accessible.

It is reasonably early on in the apprenticeship for the qualification to be translating to the job role. However, the modules and content is clearly aimed at being as valuable and relevant as possible to the job. Modules relating to aerospace give good knowledge and understanding that are useful to give context to work. The beginnings of the qualification are laying a good foundation to build on later relevant work.

Not really, although the size of the cohort does allow lots of groups of people that often organise to do their own things with friends. It does sound as though these things are in the pipeline, especially to increase socialising and networking between years. There have been recent charity events for sports tournaments, but this would not cater to everyone.

No

The company invests greatly in the apprentices and provides real experience in a very high integrity industry and business. The facilities and support are fantastic and it is a role that is highly sought after. Being surrounded by similar, intelligent and riven people is a great environment for development. Combined with the opportunities provided by the company it is a great place to be.

Be prepared to show a strong case for why you want to work for the company. I feel that good knowledge of the industry, its challenges and values and the company and company values are important. If you can show that these are in line with what is important to you and the challenges you would like to face then you seem keen to learn and develop. The company invests a lot into their apprentices and they want people that really want to work in these roles and make the most of the opportunities that are given.