Aerospace Engineer Apprentice Review

Currently I am working towards my basic qualifications whilst practicing and learning the fundamental skills of an aerospace engineer. The work is a balance or academic and practical, with a real experience of what day to day life is like within the company. Not only am i conducting hands on work but am also learning how to communicate professionally with others, and work effectively as a valuable asset to the business. Are responsibilities range from turning up on time, to ensuring we wear the correct attire. The enrolment phase is especially helpful in taking you from a student to apprentice.

I am currently developing and learning the skills for my level 2 NVQ. I am learning engineering skills in electronics, fitting, business improvement training. We are combining written and numerical work to produce physical products meeting specific job requirements. Developing skills through practical work. As well I am learning many additional skills around professional conduct and operating within a team and as an individual to meet deadlines and requirements. There are multiple different modules that have adequate time accredited to them for myself to develop the related skills, as well as a vast range of additional courses for developing a wider knowledge of the company and field.

The work is very enjoyable as it is not all academic work. A large portion of your time is spent doing physical work. Working within a team you develop friendships which make your time at work easier. The company do not treat you as lower than anyone else and you are made to feel as if you are one of the team from the get go. The stress free environment allows you to develop at your own pace and focus on the work. When you enjoy the programme, it doesn't feel like work.

The structure of the programme was clearly communicated from induction as well as a layout of the course and how we would be spending our time. The training is very well organised with clear indication of different modules and skills, as well as indicating when we would finish specific qualifications and or modules. The support available along with contacts for your course are all given from the start. The programme has great fluidity; allowing you to progress and transfer between the different stages of the programme easily and effectively.

The support given allows to develop myself in solving problems and questions as an individual. Support is available for all aspects from personal to professional. Induction training courses identify where to find this support as well as allowing a smooth transition into your first day at work, with detailed guidance on how to navigate the online systems as well as the company buildings. The company openly encourage to seek support and ask questions, as well as always looking for feedback.

My tutors are quick and effective with their response to questions. They reply in a clear, understandable fashion allowing you to progress with your individual learning. They are almost always available with a positive attitude to helping students. They make the topics interactive allowing for plenty of time for self reflection and independent study. The assignments are walked through and quick helpful feedback is offered whenever asked for. They also offer support with time management and organising workloads.

The qualification itself does not directly corelate with the work that is carried out at work. However the techniques and skills gained and developed through studying for the qualification are universally transferable to any and every task performed. As well the qualification allows you to see a wider picture of the field you are working in and different situations in which the maths or science applies too. Although there is no direct translation there is still great benefit.

There are usually a variety of sport and leisure extra curricular activities to get involved in. Football, basketball, swimming there are multiple things to get involved with. For social activities the company offer a great opportunity for first year apprentices; offering the chance to spend a week in the Lake District team building with the rest of your cohort. It is an amazing icebreaker. They do openly encourage as well socialising and teamwork to make new friends which i found extremely helpful, moving awat from my hometown.

Yes

The company pay well and look after there employees better than anyone else I have seen. The work is engaging and rewarding and allows you to feel as if you are progressing towards a degree and becoming an aerospace engineer. Not only do the company offer a fantastic environment to work in but an amazing family of colleagues that welcome you start to feel like apart of the team. You are extremely looked after with everything you need provided for you and a great feeling of self worth.

Stay relaxed and enjoy the process. Focus on the tests and try your absolute hardest as it is extremely competitive but the reward of the job is worth it. Answer the questions of the interview confidently and clearly but do not panic and stay calm. Be ready to absorb a heap of information and have a good sleeping pattern and organisational skills as these will be tested on the early weeks of your enrolment period.