Apprentice Engineer Review

I am a second year engineering apprentice at Gatwick airport. During my second year I am at the airport doing hands on work four days a week whilst still attending college on day release once a week. During my second year I get to spend longer periods of time within a number of departments allowing me to experience and learn the practical aspects of the job that I would not have the chance to learn during my first year. The second year is structured so that you rotate between the variation departments every three months in order to experience the range of different systems and equipment around the airport, both mechanical and electrical. As I still attend college once a week, I am continuing to develop my theoretical knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering by finishing off my BTEC level 3 and beginning progress on my NVQ.

So far over the course of my second year of the apprenticeship I have carried out a rotation in three separate departments: Airfield, HVAC, and Specialist Systems. During this time I have developed my knowledge in a variety of specialist equipment whilst also learning fundamental aspects of different areas of engineering. This includes electrical circuit design and installation, installing and maintaining heating and cooling systems, motor repairs and maintenance, PLC and logic controls, as well as repairing and maintaining high end equipment specific to the airport.

I am really enjoying the second year of my apprenticeship as the amount of practical work and opportunities to learn there are ensure that no two days are the same. Everyday I have the opportunity to learn something interesting and different whilst in a practical, on the job environment which I find makes it much easier to focus and absorb what I am learning. The technicians on the job are also very supportive and are happy to share knowledge with me when I ask and are often encouraging in getting apprentices involved.

Overall all the four year apprenticeship program is very well organised and the structure of the program is made clear to you right from the start. The first year is a full time college course with the opportunity to work at the airport during half terms from 7am-3pm. The second year is majority based at the airport with day release at college continuing the course. The third year is when apprentices begin shift work at the airport and work alongside one shift in a department whilst still being on day release at college. The fourth year is the same time layout as the third year however you go on to working on an engineering HNC.

During my second year I have regular one to ones with my line manager to get feedback on my progress so far with the departments I have worked on, this gives me the opportunity to reflect on my time in a previous department and ask any other questions relating to the apprenticeship and work. Between these one to one meetings we also have other regular meetings with heads of engineering and college ambassadors so that we can ask questions and keep up to date with any changes that have been made around the airport or college. The technicians also offer great support to apprentices by regularly teaching skills and lessons on the job and sharing any knowledge they have to help you improve.

The college has a well structured curriculum for teaching the qualifications that are being provided. However, if you are struggling with anything going on, the college provides lots of support and assistance with any problems you are having. You are also matched with a course leader who regularly carries out one on one meetings to see how the course is going, listens to any problems that you have and gives advice on what action to take and who to speak to.

The qualifications provided by the college help develop a number of useful skills that definitely help your performance when going into work. Theory based assignments are a large part of the course you do and teach you a detailed knowledge on subjects such as mechanical principles, electrical principles, and PLC programming. These skills carry onto the job well and give you a good idea of of the maths and theory that goes into the jobs carried out at work like wiring and setting up circuits and fitting mechanical equipment into systems. Another large part of the course is the practical classes provided such as welding, milling, turning, hand fitting, and electrical installation. All of these classes develop your hands on skills with tools and equipment which is a valued asset in the workplace. Having a good skill with tools and equipment always helps in an engineering environment and helps with almost every job carried out at the airport.

There are not any set extra-curricular activities set for every employee at Gatwick airport. However, every year during the apprenticeship, all the apprentices go away together on an Out of Bounds trip. This is a week long trip that gives a great opportunity to meet the other apprentices in the other years and take part in a number team building exercises and challenges.

Yes

Gatwick is an amazing place to work. Not only does it provide you with great skills and knowledge that you can take anywhere in your life, everyone in the workplace is nice, supportive and get on well. It is also obvious from working here that Gatwick really cares about the development of their apprentices. Everyone is always willing to share knowledge with you, teach you things that you are not sure on, and are patient when any mistakes are made.

An important part of applying for an apprenticeship is appearing keen and driven to wanting to learn. Although having previous knowledge is helpful, Gatwick really looks for determined people who are willing to work hard and put in the effort to learn everything they can. It is always helpful to show examples of these skills during your applications by saying times you demonstrated your determination and drive to learn to show others that you are not just saying you are, there have been times that have proven you are.