Engineering Undergraduate Apprentice Review

My role is dependent of what placement I am in but throughout the duration of my apprenticeship I have had the opportunity to design parts using CAD which have been implemented onto in-service and future aircraft. Along side this I am working towards completing my BEng Aerospace engineering degree with additional lv2&4 NVQ

I have had lot's of opportunity to develop new skills through the apprenticeship program. From generic soft skills to specifics to the job, you are pushed to develop in all areas possible. Team work, confidence, people skills, CAD/CAM and practical skills are just a snippet of some of the things I have managed to develop along this apprenticeship.

thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship to date. Day to Day there is the constant drive from those around you to ensure you keep developing which challenges you in ways a traditional route through uni/grad role wouldn't. Also the ability to get involved in real life projects which stuff you do gets implemented onto the aircraft is very rewarding

The Airbus/work side of things is very well organised. You start in the business on a set date and given your first placement. From there you have the freedom to choose what placements you would like to undertake which allows you to develop in the specific areas you enjoy/want to end up. The delivery of the academics from Weston is poorly organised and littered with communication issues between them, the business and UWE.

the employer is always on hand to support. There is a variety of different routes for gaining support which are all specific to the type of support you require. Personally I have gained lots of support on an informal basis through my network I have developed within the company. Along with this, Early Careers managers are always availiable for support on any subject matter and if they can't assist they will direct you to the correct contact

They do try and support however their support is sometimes poor quality. They mean well however continually mess up with the program in terms of info we get give, organisation and teachers ability to support. It has began to improve since the start of the apprenticeship however it is evident there is still some work needed.

Personally for the role that I wish to end up in, an aerospace degree with a systems focus is probably not the most relevant. However the whole process of learning and all the understandings you develop will most definitely help in my future career. the additional NVQ's do seem a bit unnecessary and take away from time at work.

Unfortunately due to joining the business at the back end of the global pandemic COVID-19, I have missed out on many great things that airbus usually offers to its early careers like outward bounds and in-depth trainings from the company. However, replacements have been offered and there is many opportunities within the teams you work in for travel and get involved in team events etc.

Yes

It's a great environment to learn, develop and thrive to start your career within engineering. You gain plenty of support through the program and have solid routes into a long term career within the company. The special opportunity to work along side studying is 100% worth it and gives you that one up over many individuals doing the degree through traditional routes

Get you application in!! its a great place to work with so many exciting opportunities to get involved in. Any apprenticeship with airbus is one that will be thoroughly enjoyed while setting up solid foundations for your future whether that's in the company or if you wish to move on.