Aircraft craft structures apprentice Review

My role as an apprentice with Airbus under the Craft Structures programme started with a year in college learning the tools and hand skills along with subjects that help my understanding of aircraft and their workings. In the factory it is to learn the jobs and gain experience whilst completing an NVQ level 2 and 3 to work towards my stamp so I can self certify my work as a qualified craft fitter.

My every day people skills has really developed through meeting people on all 3 shifts of the factory and through moving around on my placements. I have gained invaluable hand skills and knowledge which allows me to now competently work doing a job I love whilst having great knowledge and experience of the job and the importance of this part of the structure to the aircraft.

To start with I was apprehensive about working in such a huge factory. However I have met so many people who have helped me learn and understand my job. I look forward to going to work, I love learning new skills and I always take pride in my work with my enjoyment of doing so.

Unfortunately due to the pandemic it threw off my qualification date where I would have completed the apprenticeship. Although the general structure of the apprenticeship has been good with clear goals and outcomes. The college side of things was very structured and the workplace placements were well organized around my NVQ and personal needs.

Whether it's been personal issues and struggles or workplace related struggle, my managers both from early careers and on the shop floor have been there to support me every step of the way. They have helped me and picked me up at my lowest points while praising me and helping me enjoy my strongest points like winning aeronautical apprentice of the yea Rin college.

We are set deadlines for thing like college as we are for our NVQ. Out training providers have been extremely supportive helping us move departments where we need to complete criteria or getting additional support through college and the workplace. The support has well and truly been second to non.

The training I have received has really helped me blossom and become a confident and competent worker throughout the last 4 years. I have learnt so many new skills and so much knowledge that has really helped me learn every aspect of my job confidently to become a valuable member of the production team. Where needed additional support was willingly given and has helped me.

There is a club that does trips to airshows, museums, and around departments of the factory we wouldn't usually see. There is also sports clubs and activities which allow us to socialise with other apprentices from other apprenticeship programs. There's language clubs run but interns who speak other languages, social nights where we can all go out for a meal and drinks. Also a chance to go to France or Germany following on from the outward bound trip to the lake District.

Yes

It's a really good company to work for with a lot of opportunities for apprentices to volunteer, gain knowledge, gain experiences in a proper manufacturing department while being hands on, on an aircraft which is really rewarding. It's also a great opportunity to learn and make forever friends.

Be yourself and just try you best. Airbus has their core values, just stick to them and be eager to learn. Be open minded to learn new things, and be keen. Have good time keeping and keep on top of communications and work provided. That and just keep on top of work and do it early rather than leaving it to last minute.