Engineering Apprentice Review

The apprenticeship is a four year course where you are able to learn new skills and knowledge, aswell as work at the same time. Your first year as an apprentice is at college where you gain the required knowledge you need to help you understand the systems at Gatwick, what they do and how they work. In the second year you transition every few months through the different departments at Gatwick. Spending an extended period of time allows you to gain a good understanding of the departments as well as gain the experience which you will eventually use around Gatwick. Through the second year you also are still doing one day at college, so you can continue and complete courses from the first year. The 3rd and 4th year allows you to start shift work where you start to specialise in departments at Gatwick using your knowledge and skills from the first two years in work.

Our first year of the apprenticeship is at college which allows you to spend the time developing the required skills and knowledge that you need for work. Since I've started the apprenticeship my knowledge and skills around engineering has greatly improved, and I feel much more confident and prepared for being at work. Whilst at college you get the opportunity to improve your practical skills, but also your skills based around the theory of systems and machines. Understanding how it works makes it much easier to carry out maintainance and operations with that equipment.

I've always wanted to do a hands on course and this apprenticeship is exactly that, I love being able to understand how machinery and equipment work, and as I work through the apprenticeship I find myself enjoying it more everyday. It feels great learning new skills which can then be applied at work, and in general life too. Since I've started the apprenticeship I've realised what a great opportunity it is, being able to work and learn is the best combination, as you again the necessary skills and experience which can help you in work, and in life.

I am currently at college and it is great having a plan, you follow a timetable everyday allowing you to follow a certain structure to plan with, allowing you to complete work on time. Having a schedule allows for work to seem much more manageable, and for you to make the most of your time. The support you have a Gatwick allows you to know where you need to be and when.

We are always in contact with Gatwick, anytime you have any issues you know who to contact, and they will know what to do and how to help. I feel I always have help, with someone there to answer questions if I am ever unsure. Anytime we need to know something we have multiple ways of finding out. During our first year at college we are always in contact with the company, whilst you aren't at work during term time you have regular catch ups with your manager, who will feedback to you ways that you can improve and tasks you need to carry out.

Whilst in the college for the first year we are always in contact with the different lectures that we have for each section of our course. Using different systems we can contact the teachers if we need any help, and send any work which they may need. Throughout the year we always understand what we need to do, and how we need to complete it. We are always encouraged to push ourselves and how to work improve on our work, reaching for the higher grades.

When starting training you are eased in and you are able to get the basics of each subject, and as time goes on, it becomes more complex. I believe this is a much better approach than going straight into work as you have a much better understanding of each department at Gatwick, with new skills and knowledge which can be applied at the workplace. As I go into the workplace I find myself understanding how each system works, as I have studied similar systems, and I am able to ask questions which can help me further with my understanding.

Every year the apprentices are able to go to an outward bound trip, where you are able to have a break from work and spend time outside exercising and exploring the different areas where the company takes the apprentices to. You spend a week away where you are able to abseil, kayak, hike and much more. Its an amazing experience where the apprentices are able to clear there heads, before going back to work ready to learn new skills.

Yes

Apprenticeships are amazing opportunities to learn and work at the same time, but Gatwick is much more. The benefits are incredible as you are joining a team of employees who have years of experience ready for you to go to the workplace and learn. The facilities available are nothing like anywhere else, you have to be prepared to learn quickly and work hard, but if its what you enjoy it is worth it. The skills and experience you gain you will have for the rest of your life, and the knowledge that you learn can be applied anywhere as you are always surrounded by engineering.

Be prepared to work hard and always be on your feet. Making sure that you keep a plan and create a schedule can allow you to keep on top of your work, as well as make it easier to learn as you can take your time. Gatwick is an amazing g company which you won't regret joining. Its always important to be listen to what everyone tells you as the knowledge that you will be given will be useful for anything that you go on to do.