Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

My overall role within the business has consistently changed throughout the apprenticeship dependant upon the placement I have been completing. Throughout my time so far I have completed placements within Static Stress, Design (Build Support), Design (Research and Technology), Costing (Wing Moveable's) and Flight Physics. In terms of the physical time split of these days I would typically spend an average of 2 hours in meetings and the rest of the time completing the designs/analysis and supporting presentations.

Throughout the apprenticeship I have learnt a vast amount of both technical and non-technical skills. This training has been both formal (specific courses) and informal (learning on the job). Technical training has included, ISAMI, CATIA, 3Dx and Python. Non-technical training has included a vast number of E-learnings covering topics varying from diversity and inclusion to health and safety to leadership models within Airbus or even sustainability awareness.

Overall, I have really enjoyed the programme and would certainly recommend it as a great alternative to university. Completing my studies whilst getting paid and gaining a vast amount of industrial experience has really worked well for me. However, at times the workload does become particularly challenging and in my experience working evening and weekends is required to complete all the required work.

Overall, the programme is very well structured. Previously I believe this was a 3 year programme but from my experience I believe 4 years works well. Having just a day and a half to complete your university studies during term times I believe its sensible that we complete 30 credits less each year compared too university students. Our training has always typically been planned in the summer to avoid any clashes with education

Airbus has been very supportive throughout the programme. All apprentices have been encouraged to proactively manage their own workload throughout the apprenticeship. I have managed this directly with each placement manager and the priority has always remained on the studies if required. Typically, this split works as 3 days per week completing Airbus tasks and 1.5 days completing university studies. In peak times, providing you have a valid explanation, this split can change to be slightly more university focused.

In my experience the training provider has been okay but requires significant improvement. Generally speaking, the quality of education provided has been very good but the key area they have fallen down with is in regards to feedback. Frequently, the provider fails to meets its own marking policy and deadline and feedback is often lacking quality.

The qualification has provided me with the basic knowledge I need in a number of areas including aerodynamics, structural design and aircraft systems. Additionally, a number of group coursework's has given the opportunity to delegate responsibility of tasks and work together efficiently as a team. In future, an improvement i would like to see is the integration of industry standard software's and tools

At Airbus there is a wide range of extra curricular activities to get involved with. Specifically, Gen-A (or Generation Airbus) is an international empowered community of Airbus people from all divisions, sites, functions, genders, generations and nationalities encouraging: Integration, Inclusion, Innovation & Leadership, in order to move towards one Airbus culture. GEN-A typically organises at least one event every week which includes anything from social events, sports teams and networking.

Yes

The apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to study, gain industrial experience and get paid all at the same time. At times this is very challenging but provides you with endless opportunity to partake in various professional and personal development opportunities. This is particularly useful if you aren't sure exactly what you would like to do as you can tailor your placements to what you enjoy the most.

The main tips I would give are as follows: - Ensure you research the company thoroughly and have a good understanding of the products and services airbus deliver in commercial, helicopters and the defence divisions of the business. - Being able to clearly articulate your passion for aviation and Airbus specifically rather than working for any other company.