Engineer Apprentice Review

My role as a Gatwick apprentice is to 'shadow' current working technicians, through several different departments. The technicians teach me how to repair and perform maintenance of all of Gatwick's units, which there are hundreds. The huge diversity in jobs that can come up, genuinely makes each day unique.

I have been in the apprenticeship scheme for two years now, and my knowledge now since the beginning is day and night. I had an interest in building computers and woodworking prior, and Gatwick has made me far better at both tasks in and out of the workplace.

As an older apprentice I have a worked many jobs in my working life, and I can undoubtedly say that this apprenticeship is one of the best things I've done. I was apprehensive at first, feeling as if I was taking a 'step back', but I couldn't have been more wrong.

I always know where I'm supposed to be, which section and who i'm working with that day. Any college work is overseen by a staff member that I have personal contact with, and as a whole, my apprentice leader provides continuous support whenever it is needed.

My apprentice leader has been fantastic with support. Any issues or questions he is a text message or email away, where he is always quick to reply, even in difficult situations like the pandemic lock-downs. I feel as if everyone around me wishes to succeed, helping me with any struggles.

I have personal contact with my training provider, he has even visited me at my workplace several times already. He is very understanding, and has told me that he never wants to see anyone fail. He has been proactive with work, and provides decent encouragement and support with it too.

It honestly couldn't help me more. The qualifications are tailored to the work we will be doing around the airport. As of right now, one of the classes is based around maintenance; the different types, when to do it, types of fitting etc. Coming into work and helping with maintenance, I can bring what I've learnt at college into the job.

Absolutely. As of Gatwick as a whole there are many activities that people can sign up for to create a stronger bond with each other. Whether that's golf or football (both fantasy and sport), however these have taken a back foot in the pandemic. During these times, there are weekly 'town hall' meetings where you can keep up to date of the current state of Gatwick. Finally, the apprenticeship specifically, Gatwick try to take all the apprentices away once a year for a team-building week called 'outward bound'. We also support charities in this event.

Yes

Gatwick is such an interesting place to work, with so much going on, and so many different and decent people. In terms of the apprenticeship I have already spoken to many about it, and how you spend four years learning such interesting work, in a decent environment, becoming very qualified whilst being paid a generous salary for an apprentice. It's a 'no-brainer'.

Be yourself firstly. Gatwick looks for diversity, and part of what I love is working with different people. And let your love or intrigue for engineering show. Gatwick are looking for people with passion or excitement for the job, even if you know very little, showing a strive to learn will go a long way.