engineering apprentice Review

I’m currently working on airfield engineering and have recently finished my time on HVAC engineering these two departments have been my start to shift and i have loved every minute since starting shift I have learned so much and have had a lot more responsibilities which is great for learning. being put on one shift allows for closer bonds and to build great relationships with technicians which will be very helpful for when finishing my time and hopefully become a technician myself. on a day to day basis i get to work at 6:25 in either the morning or evening we will check for faults from the previous shift if there is any we will attend then carrying out planned maintenance for the day or night on days a typical maintenance would be either an FEGP (fixed electrical ground power) or a bridge maintenance. on nights we will go onto the runway or taxiways and torque fittings which is a great experience.

Since being on shift i have learned so much this is because you’re getting more in depth in what you’re doing as you have more responsibilities it puts you right in the deep end you get involved. Doing 12 hour shifts definitely supports this as well as nights because you do different types of jobs compared to days. both my electrical and mechanical skills have improved as well as my confidence on the tools.

I love what I do. Both the people and the job are amazing your learn something new everyday and are working on something new everyday everybody is very helpful and goes out of there way to make sure you understand fully what is happening and what your working on. I come in everyday with a smile.

the apprenticeship is structured so well and you know this from day one. are first year is 5 days a week college second year is on day shift making your way around the sections for 3 months at a time before changing whole going to college one day a week (weekends off) in your third year you start shift and go to college one day a week also changing every 3 months however you can request an extension which I did on HVAC as I enjoyed it so much for an extra 3 months (6months total) in your 4th year it’s the same as the third shift and then college one day a week.

I receive a lot of support every-time i have an issue my manager is there to help as he was a technician in the past he can relate to questions we have about the job this makes it perfect for college work or general questions we have about jobs we have done at Gatwick. All the technicians are happy to go over any gaps in your knowledge to make sure you’re ready when you’re out of your time.

we receive a good amount of support from the college we have regular and consistent reviews with are manager and the college there is support classes and we can always send an email to out HNC leader as he knows how to help and give us tips on writing assignments in the correct form and with any gaps in our knowledge.

both the college work and work we do at Gatwick relate on the general engineering basis when your at college you learn how to use tools, machining equipment, maths skills and formulas that are used in engineering and we can link this back to Gatwick it may not show up all the time but when it does i feel confident. This is because everything is specialised at Gatwick into certain sections. So different skills will be required.

There is lots of opportunities that come about as an apprentice Are manager makes sure to put us through lots of social talks to young students and hopefully inspire them to take the same path as I did. I attended the Engineering Christmas meal with a couple more apprentices this was a great way to talk to higher management give our points of view on things and have a great time.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Gatwick to a friend. Every person I have met has been very friendly and supportive, the benefits that come with working here are amazing and the work we have to do is so fun and i enjoy every day of coming in. I would recommend Gatwick to anyone.

If you want to apply for Gatwick make sure you’re passionate about what you’re applying for I’m an engineering apprentice and knew that is what i wanted to be from very young. In my interview I expressed my passion and willingness to learn which is definitely the reasons for me getting the job.