EDAS Apprentice Review

I am an Aerospace engineering degree apprentice . At the moment I am working towards a CAT A Licence which is approved by the CAA . For this I have had to complete some modules regarding things such as materials , flight controls , aircraft maintenance, Electronics etc . At the end of each module there is a multiple choice test . I have also had to do some workshop practice , doing things such as drilling , riveting , filing and sawing etc . I am doing all this at the same time as doing university work part time .

Yes I have definitely learnt a lot of new skills especially in the workshop . I have learnt how to file metal sheets flat and square , it is a lot harder than it sounds and it requires a lot of precision , if your work piece is not square then this is going to throw out all your other dimensions and calculations. I have also learnt how to deburr work pieces , if you don't deburr your work then this will scratch other components that you'll attach and this could also lead to FOD on the aircraft if the burrs fall off and that could potential lead to a serious accident . I have also learnt how to use a rivet gun with is something that I had never done before , It's actually quite straightforward but it's important that you have some that you can trust holding the bucking bar on the other side of the work piece .

So far it has been a bit of a mixed bag . When I started the apprenticeship we were doing modules for our CAT A Licence and this was really intense and challenging . We were expected to learn 800 pages of notes within 2 weeks to then do a test . It was really challenging and quite strenuous , I often found myself having to pull all nighters in order to do revision and ensure I passed tests . We then moved on to the workshop phase of the apprenticeship which I quite enjoyed , it was nice to be doing something hands on .

Being the first year to do my programme at the location I am doing it at , it has been quite disorganised and there have been a few teething issues . I am sure they are making every effort to ensure that they won't have the same issues next year and that the induction process will be much smoother . The apprenticeship has been largely affected by covid-19 . I feel that had the circumstances been different the structure and organisation would have been a lot better .

There is a lot of support , if you don't pass tests the first time , instructors make every effort to help you understand the content and they allow plenty of remedial time before the resit . There is also a lot of support with regards to mental health , there are a lot of mental health first aiders and they have this thing called the employee assistance programme which has specially trained councillors that are available 24/7 . If you are struggling and need a bit of a break the company are very accommodating and they will do what they can to help.

All the instructors are more than happy to help and they so everything they can to ensure that we have all the knowledge we need to complete our CAT A qualification . Like I said before if you don't pass the first time you receive a lot of support and help to ensure you pass the second time round .

Through doing this qualification I can better understand the processes that take place when manufacturing , repairing and servicing an aircraft . As an aerospace engineer it is important to understand how best to design an aircraft to ensure optimum performance but also to make sure that there are as few issues as possibly and the manufacturing and maintenance of the aircraft.

Given there current climate there's not been anything going on at the moment . I have had the opportunity to take part in a virtual careers fair . We also have monthly apprentice masterclasses that are hosted online and every month there is a different guest speaker , they could be someone from within the company or from outside .

Yes

It is a brilliant opportunity . I'm doing a degree apprenticeship , I am getting the same qualification as someone doing an aerospace degree at university however I am also getting the practical experience while also learning the ins and outs of the company and there's a good chance I'll get a job at the end of it . Even if I don't get the job I'm in a better position to get a job in my chosen field . The pay is also quite good .

Take part in things to make you stand out e.g. Dof E , world challenge , Summer schools , Cadets , competitive sport , rebuild a pc , redo a car . As part of your application you'll need to talk about useful skills you have and you'll need to provide evidence , the above things will help you . When doing the aptitude tests be calm don't stress , its about accuracy as opposed to quantity. During your interview take deep breathes , collect your thoughts and focus on your performance not anyone else's , don't let anyone put you off. If it's a phone interview have your notes in front of you but have an idea of what they say . Most importantly preparation is key ! make sure you know a bit about the company but also know why they should pick you and not anyone else .