Apprentice Aircraft Engineer Review

Everyday is a new challenge whilst working at British Airways which makes it exciting and great to come in and work. There’s many different maintenance tasks or inspections that have to be carried out so it could be an engine change to a navigation light change or even an aircraft daily which consists of oil replenishments and inspection of the aircraft.

I’ve learnt many new skills and developed many skills during this apprenticeship such as developing my engineering hand skills and also my ability to work in teams and this is very important to ensure the safety of the aircraft. My organisation and planning skills have also improved by ensuring tasks are planned out well for safety.

I really enjoy the programme and don’t have any complaints about it. I throughly enjoy coming into work everyday as everyday is different and it’s developed me not only as an engineer, but also as a person. I’ve learnt so much from experienced engineers and enjoy learning new things.

The programme is really well structured to ensure that you come out as competent as possible come to the end of the apprenticeship. It has a great balance for the theory and practical sides so it keeps us fully engaged throughout the course of the apprenticeship. We also get sufficient amount of time in each work area which gives us a great amount of exposure to the business.

Our employer supports us a lot throughout the programme which is really helpful as it is a challenging programme. The support allows us to feel more comfortable and give us realistic expectations for clear progression. Every meeting has a purpose which be fits both parties and this is good for both the company and us.

Our training provider always sets realistic targets for us to ensure they are achievable. They always give us examples of work so we know what standard to work towards and this reduces the chances of work being sent back if they aren’t up to the required standard. We also get support if we are confused.

Our qualification is very relevant to our role and has a direct correlation between the two. This ensures that when we return to the workplace we have a sufficient knowledge to build upon and know relevant systems and procedures. Also the hand skills we developed with our training provider is a good foundation to build on upon return to our employer.

There are many extra curricular activities that we can get involved with. This can range from many things such as helping out with adverts, participating in professional network events and social activities with the shift we have been placed in. This helps gain our confidence and gain better relationships with work colleagues.

Yes

It is a great company with great people which will help you develop as a person and also an engineer. The support you get is amazing and it really is a company which helps you feel at home regardless of your background so I would 100% recommend it to anyone looking to get into the aviation/engineering industry.

The main advice I would give is to be yourself as BA mainly hire for personalities. The skills you’ve gained over the past through things you love such as sports or other extra curricular activities will support you so much when applying due to relationship it has to becoming a good engineer.