Craft Apprentice - Systems Review

For year one, the programme was 4.5 days per week in college doing a split between academic and practical work and assessments. For the second and third years, the programme consisted of 1 day of release to college and 3 days working in the factory learning work packages and completing NVQ assessments to work towards becoming fully skilled. Once academic work is completed, apprentices complete assessed activities on the aircraft on the production line.

My hand skills have developed a lot as a result of my apprenticeship, as has my confidence in my own abilities from a mechanical and electrical perspective. Academically, I have added to my previous knowledge of the aerospace industry learning about practical aspects of aviation maintenance and the reasons that must be undertaken.

The programme has been exactly what I needed in terms of career development. I previously studied an aerospace engineering course but there was little focus on practical knowledge and skills. I feel that this programme has properly prepared me for a long career in aviation and has helped me expand my knowledge to allow for career progression further down the line.

I like the fact that the first year of the programme is spent fully at college as it allows apprentices a long time to develop themselves to get their hand skills and academic knowledge to the required level. The day release in the second and third years allows for a good balance academic work and practical skills to while providing adequate opportunities to bridge between the two. There are also a lot of training programmes run as well as team building exercises in the first year.

My employer made known at the start of the apprenticeship that any employees who were struggling with issues in their personal or working lives should make this immediately known to them so that they could provide support to them straight away. This includes academic struggles as the company wants all apprentices to complete the programme. My training managers have always been understanding and helpful when I have come to them with queries or with requests for time off due to family bereavement

My training provider was very supportive during my apprenticeship. It was beneficial to the programme that most tutors had a lot of experience in the aviation industry either through the armed forces or through private companies. Academically, they supported us when we had issues with topics we covered and they were always very contactable, especially during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic.

I feel that the academic topics of my qualification were very helpful in providing context for working in the Airbus factory as they have helped me to look out for things that I would not have normally looked out for or even noticed. Practically, the first year of the programme was incredibly beneficial in providing time for me to develop my hand skills.

The early careers programme at Airbus has its own dedicated organising committee for extra curricular activities which include football, charity events, video game nights and social nights out. There are also guest lectures organised that are held by members of the aerospace and engineering communities which allow apprentices to develop their interests and provides networking opportunities.

Yes

Working at Airbus in a skilled role allows me to develop my skills and knowledge continually and sets me up well for progression in the future. The social aspect of the working life is enjoyable, and the workforce as a whole are very supportive of the apprentice population and are happy to help them progress through their NVQ work.

Provide details of your life outside of academics/work. Focus on developing team working skills as they are vital in the working environment at Airbus. Try to learn about Airbus’ company values and relate your CV to them. Don’t worry if your hand skills aren’t at the level you think they need to be. The first year is all about ensuring that all apprentices enter the factory on a level playing field practically. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you pick things up.