Engineering Apprentice Review

Currently in my third year of the apprenticeship I have completed my exams and building my experience to complete the competency stage of the qualification. Working alongside a mentor to complete routine tasks that are given such as repairs, servicing, lubing as well as engine changes and even flight control removal. Everyday is different, everyday is a new challenge.

I have learnt how to become much more confident when carrying out tasks by myself. In saying this various jobs require great teamwork such as lifting up an engine into the pylon. Everyone must communicate well to perform this task as it’s vital everyone understands each other. Also developed my hand skills in the workplace.

I have thoroughly every moment of my three years at TUI, I was warmly welcomed from the beginning and have been made to feel like one of the team from the off. Every day is different, everyday you are faced with new challenges in a fast environment with many people to learn from.

The in house part of my apprenticeship cannot be faulted, we each have a meeting every two weeks in groups with our manager where we address any concerns that we have faced and he also oversees our development. We each know exactly what to do in order to be successful at the end of the apprenticeship.

I’ve always received great support from TUI, which has really helped me to maintain my motivation needed to pass the exams I have taken at 75% or above so I can go on to achieve by CAT A license which I hope to progress from onto a B1 in the coming years.

Training has been provided from Harlow college based at Stansted Airport which is an hour away from our original base of Luton. Support from them is very minimal with the exception of one tutor, who is always available for a chat and to help us with any issues. The support from the rest however has been very minimal.

Now I have achieved my qualifications they have helped me to perform much better in my role as I now have the time to progress with my practical skills in the hangar carrying out day to day tasks. Routine maintenance tasks are given to us in order to build initial confidence.

This is very limited still due to covid, however at Christmas times we can organise social activities between ourselves and claim this back. This is a very nice touch as we can carry on building a good rapport with my team. There is a regular golfing meeting with some of the guys.

Yes

TUI is a fantastic company to work for, you are treated incredibly well and your opinions are always taken very highly by the management here as they will listen to your views in order to improve how things are ran. It’s a fantastic opportunity to apply for so go for it.

Practice your physics, basic hand skills and mechanical reasoning. You will be assessed based on these before your interviews. It’s extremely beneficial to do this as it will give you the upper hand during the assessment stage. Doing an apprenticeship is amazing, you get paid to study. Honestly it is a win win and a fantastic industry to get into!