Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprentice Review

I am educated five days a week on the content involved when learning for an EASA Part 66 training course (CAT A). So far it has been almost exclusively class work, but in later stages of the course I will be engaging in more practical elements, such as working with aircraft themselves.

So far I have not learnt many new skills as I have mostly been learning the knowledge content of the course. I have however developed my ability to study and learn new content. Later on in the course however, I will develop my skills through application of my knowledge into practical elements.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme, however it has been let down so far by the lack of practical elements and that it has so far been dominated by class work, and theory. While theory is very much important, I feel it could be made more interesting through practical elements being woven into the schedule. Company culture is very good, with a very sharp and clear focus on the wellbeing and comfort of the employees over making metric tons of profit.

Induction, training, and support is all exemplary, however the course itself is structured in a way that makes it feel very intense, making the learning difficult, especially for those who do not learn well in a classroom environment, or those who are not used to it. Like I have said before, more practical learning being woven into the course throughout would benefit those who do not learn so well in a classroom environment.

There is a very strong culture of approachability, with issues such as mental health and happiness being put to the forefront. I do genuinely believe that there is a great deal of support for me should I start to experience issues. With regards to the education, all mentors so far have been approachable and very helpful in aiding us understand complex concepts that many of us may not have ever seen or heard of before.

Plenty. Our mentors are more than happy to cater to our individual needs and go to great lengths to ensure we understand the content and the concepts. They are more than happy to adjust the learning speeds to ensure all are keeping up and understanding the content. Practical elements such as physical aircraft training aids we can work on to develop skills are provided.

Very well. I am being taught the critical skills needed to work well in the aviation industry with professionalism, a level head, and most importantly, with a poignant focus on safety. This well benefit me due to the sheer importance of safety, safety management and eliminating problems that may impede on safety.

Not really. The AMA is very work focused and there is little in terms of networking, sports teams, or anything extracurricular. There is however a community of table tennis within the AMA itself, with tournaments and it is very popular among the apprentices. It is a very good way to relax and brush up on a fun sport.

Yes

BAe Systems as far as I can tell is a company that focuses on the well-being, safety and satisfaction of it's employees as much as making profit. This is what makes working for BAe Systems as good as it is, much better than other companies who focus their efforts on making as much profit as possible at the expense of their workers.

At all times where possible, focus on safety and following procedure. In the defense industry, especially in the aviation sector, those two are of paramount importance. Having prior experience to demonstrate this is very useful. Additionally, ensure you understand exactly what it is you're applying for, and the company that is employing. Learn and acknowledge where they work, their previous projects, ongoing projects, and future projects.