Degree Apprentice Review

I work with various people in departments across the whole company. Daily I would be 3D modelling, weighing aircraft or calculating theoretical weights. As we change placements you can also be in a testing lab or analysing the materials of the parts. Each day changes by workload but overall is very enjoyable

I have developed my CAD skills a lot. I had a week long training course and am now able to design CAD parts for structures and regularly meet with the team to discuss the work produced in the past week. I have expanded on my skills of time management to meet deadlines

I mostly enjoy my programme. Some places are naturally more enjoyable than others but its about finding the right balance of meaningful work and enjoying it. Covid hasn't helped the situation but the company handled that well with remote working. Studying at the college was not as enjoyable for the 1st year but they have rectified the problems and this year is much better.

Although the organisation as a whole is structured, the yearly structure isn't the best. When requiring information it can be hard to achieve but this is slowly becoming better and the placement managers are always chasing training to ensure the correct equipment is given to those when joining the department.

I have received a lot of support from my employer and this includes every department. The training and provisions provided for the apprentices is a lot better than most would expect and there is always support groups set up in case things become too hard to manage. Each department also ensures the apprentice can balance their college and work life.

Working towards our qualifications we have a decent amount of support. At our monthly catch ups we are always told to tell them of any problems that occur in our studies. They are also in constant contact with the college to ensure that the workload is manageable and all of the apprentices are achieving the required grades.

There is an emphasis by our lecturers to match up our studies with our work. Therefore, when talking about lift we discuss it about helicopters as well as fixed wing aircraft. Overall, the qualification has a direct link to our work and enables us to understand how each system works and develops our understanding of the aircraft produced by Leonardo. As we all have a passion for aviation it makes our qualification more enjoyable and easier to work on.

There is a social group that can be joined by all apprentices such as AWASA. There are bowling nights, go-karting, football badminton or quiz nights organised so anyone who moves into the area (me) is able to meet up with people and develop friendships. There is also a huge amount of extra curricular to get involved in to progress your career and network with other experts and companies in the aviation field.

Yes

It is a great leader in aviation, enables the apprentice to see the product they are working on as well as develop the theoretical knowledge to become a valued engineer. The support base and the atmosphere at the company is positive and helpful. Although some parts are office based you can often enter the flight shed and see these huge aircraft in person and even flying on the airfield to gather inspiration for deigning a new part.

Have a passion for aviation. The apprenticeship would be wasted if there is no passion as this will lead to you enjoying not only your work but your studies also. the town is relatively quiet so if you are applying from a big city (like myself) ensure you have the support to adapt to the environment and remain physically/mentally healthy.