Aircraft maintenance apprentice Review

On a day to day basis we work in the live area whether that is a hangar or if you are working on line. You work hands on with tools and equipment everyday working along aside other engineers. At the moment i work in long haul casualty so carry out the larger jobs which can take up to a couple nights to complete.

I have developed loads of new skills and gained a large amount of knowledge do to with engineering and aircraft. Everyday you learn something new and the other engineers are always happen to explain how systems function and if people dont know then there is always a way to find out.

I largely enjoy my programme as it allows me to be hands on every single day working in the live area carrying out tasks with engineers who have the licensing i am aspiring to achieve. It allows me to learn from experienced engineers and also learn on the job not just in a classroom or lecture hall.

I believe the structure of the programme works really well as every 6 months we change round placements allowing us to experience different areas of the workforce and experience different shift patterns whether that’s days or nights. It means we get to see all sides of the engineering side of the company.

I have always received support from my managers as they have always done regular checkins and welfare chats. We also reviewed our placements after each one to give feedback. I also know that they are only at the other end of an email so if i need help with anything I could always email.

When working towards my qualifications they were always supportive of trying to book in resit exams and allowing the timings to work around me. When working in their facility they provided us with good lecturers who provided the information to for us to learn the subject and they were helpful and supportive.

When doing the qualifications through the provider they provide instructors to teach us the subject which then went on to help when working in the live area as all subjects were teaching to work on aircraft so gave us an understanding with what we were working on and a fixing.

There were several opportunities provided to allow us to get involved with extra curricular activities at work whether it would be to talk about our apprenticeship to potential future apprentices or whether it was to play rugby for the team there was always activities being offered out to everyone who wanted to take part.

Yes

I have learned a large amount of theoretical knowledge and practical skills from working with British airways and i have also enjoyed my time learning as a large amount of the apprenticeship was hands on which is the best way i learn and they provided the opportunity for me to learn that way.

I would advice to do an work experience day to see if you like the job you are applying for as they offer these and you can get an idea for the job you would be applying for. Always ask questions when in the working environment as people are always happen to show and explain and it is the best way to learn as much as possible.