Aerospace degree apprentice Review

I am in my first year so I am at college full time. one day a week I spend doing HNC work and the other 3 days I complete hands on level 2 NVQ's in preparation for my level 4 NVQ's on site. In June I will start on site and then in September I attend college on day release for the next 4 years. My duties will vary depending on my placement with each placement lasting approximately 6 months.

I have so far leant so many new skills. I have had more opportunity to learn and gain basic NVQ qualifications than apprentices from competing aerospace companies that I attended college with. The quality of teaching I have received is mostly high although one or two units have been behind.

I definitely enjoy my program, there is a decent intake of other apprentices to socialize with with really helps with the apprentice experience. The learning is definitely achievable whilst also staying somewhat challenging. The course is not overly demanding which is really good. All college teaching staff have been really helpful, as have the early careers team at Leonardo.

Although the college delivery has faced some challenges this year the program has been conducted very well. There has been a great amount of support from the college for learning. Leonardo also arranged "outpost" which is a week of induction with all the other apprentices for that year where you go away for a residential for team building which was really great and not an opportunity I think many apprentices offer. The only lagging factor is some placements don't have a lot of work to support the completion of an NVQ but I think this is a common problem across industry and Leonardo do recognize the problem and give support when it does occur.

I think the company has a real interesting in supporting their apprentices to a high degree. However the implementation of that support could be better executed by being in better communication with their apprentices and possibly having a mentoring system where older apprentices mentor younger apprentices. However, that being said, they definitely are they when you need them and the level of support will vary after the first year when on site. As during the first year there is a massive amount of support from the college training provider.

The support from the training provider is great. There is plenty of communication as well as designated people and routes for accessing support. The training provider is especially supportive towards Leonardo apprentices due to their standing relationship with Leonardo as a company. In addition there hasn't been much need for extra support for this years apprentices are the delivery of the apprenticeship so far has gone well.

The teaching and training delivered is definitely applicable in the role. Whilst not all of the learning is used in the day to day role it certainly contributes to the understanding of the work undertaken in the company and wider industry. Both Leonardo and especially the college also run extra support to help you develop your career and experience which is widely applicable.

There are plenty of extra curricular activities which the company encourage you to participate in. There is a a specific company social events committee that is run by apprentices/graduates for apprentices/graduates. There are also events run by the company or externally that are supported by the company which they advocate to help boost networking and skills.

Yes

Overall the apprenticeship is very positive, there are a lot of opportunities for career progress and development. The large intake of apprentices as well as graduates means there is a chance to socialize and share experiences. The only factor that could cause reservation are the location (Yeovil) which doesn't have lots going on. However, in fairness I think most aeronautical engineering apprenticeships are in quite towns.

Being keen to learn and put in the effort, showing an genuine interest in the aeronautical industry as well as specifically what Leonardo produce will go a long way. The interview process is not intense so don't stress just try to give the best you can. The unfortunately big challenge for many apprentices can be moving to the small town of Yeovil, it not a deal breaker if you genuinely want to be an aeronautical engineering but do bare it in mind.