Electrical Craft Apprentice Review

I am an electrical apprentice and my daily tasks can include a mixture of the following: wiring aircraft, fitting computer units, fitting electrical hardware, and testing the wiring and systems. Along with this I also spend time working on my NVQ and collecting evidence to satisfy the units by writing a report on what I have done. Part of the apprentice role includes attending college to complete a level 3 qualification which is related to aircraft engineering.

I have learnt a lot of new skills during my apprenticeship mostly through the on site working however I have gained a lot of additional knowledge about aircraft and how they work through the off site learning at college, I would say that the new skills were learnt during my first year at college and then further developed once I started working on site. I think that working on site has also improved personal skills such as working in a team and social skills.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship because along with learning new things from my on site placements there is a very welcoming culture, also there is an apprentice social group called AWASA which hosts regular social and team building events and trips which are for the members within the apprentice population. The apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations for enjoyment and I have enjoyed everything involved especially the social aspects and working within a team on the aircraft.

The apprenticeship has a very good structure to it, where once you have completed a weeks induction you spend the first year at college where you learn about aircraft and get a general feel for all of the hands on trades such as sheet metal, composites and electrical. The second and third year are on site based with one day a week at college for academical classes, the fourth year is fully on site. The support from both the college and training team is to a very high standard and you have regular meetings with you training manager.

My employer provides lots of support during the apprenticeship the HR team are always available when needed and the training managers can help with anything you need from an apprenticeship point of view. There are regular meetings with you training manager and you can organise regular meetings with your NVQ assessor, however if you need something more urgently then they are always happy to help with whatever you need; you can speak to them in person, via phone or through emails so they are always reachable.

The college provides lots of additional support for us and the lecturers are very helpful in providing useful guidance. If any additional support is needed then you can usually find it on the provided college moodle page. I enjoyed my time at the college.

The qualification gives me a much better understanding of aircraft and what makes them able to fly, along with the basic skills which enable me to work on an aircraft. I felt a lot more comfortable when I first worked on aircraft parts thanks to the college learning.

The AWASA apprentice group regularly organise social events and local volunteering activities which are a really good way to meet new people within the apprentice group, some events also allow you to meet non apprentices within the business, such as managers and other professions.

Yes

Leonardo is a great place to work because I have learnt a lot of new skills and you get lots of support to enable your learning. There is also a large social aspect and I have met many new friends through things such as AWASA events and other teambuilding activities.

Give a detailed response to application questions and ensure to be detailed. When an apprentice, always give things a go and take opportunities offered to you.