Aircraft Fitter Review

As an apprentice aircraft fitter, my role is to undertake work related qualifications and training whilst learning on the job. This involves following the same shift patterns as fully qualified aircraft fitters and learning from them the processes and skills needed to assemble aircraft structures. Altogether aiming to achieve my own certification to carry out my own work packages.

Very much so. I left high school with just a basic knowledge of engineering and especially how manufacturers operate and aircraft manufacturing in particular. My first year as an apprentice was just learning the basics and refining my hand skills, something which can only be done by one on one tutoring and practice. This included completing a PEO level 2. Then, second to fourth years included working inside an aircraft manufacturing whilst completing a level 3 BTEC and NVQ revolved around aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. I have also been sent onto others courses such as ILM business management for example and courses like outward bound for team building.

Working with other apprentices has given me so many experiences. Not only have I made life long friends but we have supported each other in difficult times, helped each other with our work and had fun whilst doing it. The same goes for working with qualified fitters, work doesn't seem like work when you are doing what you enjoy with people you like. Not only that, but I was lucky enough to go on various trips with my company to build experience, teamwork and business relationships. This would include a week outward bound in the Lake District, a two week exchange trip with Bristol apprentices and a week away in Germany.

Apprenticeship was well structured. I felt supported throughout and was always informed of what I would be doing from my Early Careers Department. I was given an induction on the first day and when I was moved around the business. My training provider did not have the most modern of classrooms but had excellent lecturers and TTO's. I also had to have a monthly meeting with my Technical Training Officer (TTO) to check up on my training, how I was finding it and if I needed support.

Early careers department have always helped with any problems that I have encountered. Any of the five managers can be easily contacted by phone or email or visited (pre covid). The general attitude towards support has always been helpful and encouraging and mentoring me towards things I could do tom improve my career or opportunities fo new experiences.

My first year was solely in college, I spent every day being taught by experienced and knowledgable tutors who helped me with any questions. The general attitude was always supportive, encouraging and happy and made it a good learning environment. The same goes when I was learning on day release, my TTO was always an email or phone call away if needed and we had regular recorded meeting to assess my progress in the workplace and qualifications.

All qualifications I undertook I believe were strongly relevant to the job role I undertake. Each year we studied different subjects and some the same but at a higher level than the previous year. Each subject relating to aircraft manufacturing and maintenance was enjoyable and interesting to follow because it answered questions you always had but could never find an answer to when you were going on holiday for example. Subjects such as project management, Theory of flight and human factors really opened my mind and showed me there is always more to learn than you know.

There is a lot of social events created by 'Gen A' which is an organisation within the company aimed at bringing some of the younger generations together. It is a good idea and they come up with lots of ideas of things everyone can do together but COVID has made this difficult. The only problem I feel is that sometimes the events can be aimed towards certain groups.

Yes

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Airbus. I have learnt a lot, met new friends, gained valuable and recognised qualifications all whilst being paid a good wage, especially for my age. The alternative would be to go through university and although that is not a bad option, the learning can be just as hard but also with the financial pressures rather than rewards.

Do your research about the company, eg, what they make, where, and company history. I would also reiterate to anyone to make sure that it is the career or specific engineering sector they would like to go into, I've seen friends go through the apprenticeship and realise they had other passions completely irrelevant to what we do and have either started to really enjoy it afterwards or left the company so they can do other things.