Aircraft engineering apprentice Review

In my role I maintain and repair aircraft owned by British Airways by following the maintenance manuals produced by the aircraft manufacturers. The job can vary depending on the department I'm working out of, from performing engine changes to removing seats and completing wiring repairs and replacements to keep aircraft flying.

During my apprenticeship I have learnt a variety of new skills such as learning structural repair techniques and improving my hand skills throughout the day to day job. I've learnt about all parts of the aircraft and have trained to receive an EASA A license throughout the duration of the appropriate.

I enjoy the apprenticeship when working on the aircraft in the department's, there's a wide variety of tasks to perform each night and it ensures no night is ever the same. As an apprentice the staff in departments are usually willing to teach you what they know and ensure you're comfortable with the work.

When I first started the apprenticeship at British Airways there was very little organisation, emails would be sent out randomly expecting us to suddenly come off shift and go to corporate events. It has improved under a new management team however the learning academy that manages courses often changes course times and cuts courses down at a moment's notice with many details being left until the last minute before being told to us.

From the employer itself there is very little support outside of being reminded some of the people in higher management were apprentices and 'understand it' and if it weren't for the new apprentice manager who pushes to secure employment, courses and work placements for apprentices there would be very little support for apprentices on a corporate level. Each department however provides full support to apprentices when you rotate through them.

The nvq fully supported by the training provider with an assessor who has been available every day to contact via email or phone if we have any questions about the nvq side of the work. The licensing has also been fully supported by BA with courses run as and when they come up to ensure we had a chance at getting out license exams.

I feel my qualification helps me perform my job better as it's allowed me to get the experience I need to perform the job role, the A license also helps me as it's a certifying license that will allow me to start working as an aircraft technician in the future.

Once a year there is an apprentice forum where each apprentice group from across the company does a presentation on what they do and their apprenticeship and this is driven forward by the company. Outside of this there isn't any other opportunities to meet other apprentices or do extra curricular activities unless people in the department you work in are going on nights out and invite you or doing outside sports such as football or golf.

Yes

While there are some issues within the company and the way apprentices get treated at times, the department's are good to work in and the licensing gained by doing the apprenticeship is really good. The wage for an apprentice is fairly good and the new manager supports the apprentices as well as possible to help them out when they need it.

British airways is a big company and make sure that you're prepared to finish your apprenticeship and move to Glasgow or Cardiff if no jobs are available in Heathrow or Gatwick, the work is good though and the engineers in each department are good to work with. Recieving an A license is also a strong position to be in however if the opportunity for a B license is available at another company then take it.