Engineering Apprentice Review

As an apprentice for Gatwick Airport, it is my role to attend college to acquire the qualifications needed to be an effective member of the company. It is also expected of me to learn the skills needed to work at the airport through additional learning, mentoring from technicians, and on the job learning.

I have been able to expand on my welding skills through the first year of college, as well as improving my skills in maths, and my knowledge on health and safety. I have learnt new skills in the way of mechanical principles and electrical principles. Through my experience at work, I have been able to expand my ability for fault finding, and have a greater ability and understanding when using tools.

I am nearly at the completion of my second year of the apprenticeship, and I am really enjoying it. All of the technicians at the airport are helpful and always available to help assist with my learning. The management are understanding of my studies, and are willing to make adjustments to my working week to allow me to continue my progress for my qualifications (allowing study time at work, mentoring sessions, etc.)

The organisation at work is great. my rotations around the airport to see each department is scheduled and I am notified with a good amount of notice. Any events or meetings which I am to be made a part of is emailed to me and a request sent for me to add to my work diary. The only downside to the organisation is at college. Unfortunately there has been less organisation and structure desired when trying to carry out my learning.

My employer is very supportive through my time in the apprenticeship. We receive one to one reviews to check in on our progress, meetings regarding any information about the airport which is relevant to us and the affect it would have on our job, as well as support if we are struggling whether it be with our studies or something work related.

The support which is offered whilst at college is there, but not always consistent. Unfortunately due to staffing issues this year with the college we are behind on our assignments being issued, meaning that they will all need to be completed within a shorter deadline. That being said, the current tutors who are currently teaching us are understanding of this and are trying to find ways to assist us however they can.

The qualification which I am aiming for is very helpful for the job role which I am currently learning. Beginning the apprenticeship I had little to no electrical knowledge. After my first year at college, I was able to go to work and understand and carry out things on electrical systems which I would not be able to previously.

Gatwick has other activities which you are able to take part in, which vary between company and employee scheduled events. The majority of the employee's in the engineering department get together outside of work for a variety of activities which assists with the teamwork presented at work. Gatwick hold events such as networking events, and also social events such as Christmas meals.

Yes

This apprenticeship is great for those wanting to get involved in the world of engineering. It is a very well paid apprenticeship, which means you can earn good money whilst also in education. I personally really like this apprenticeship as when I applied I was unsure of what route within engineering would appeal to me, but as Gatwick has a large variety of departments, I am able to visit each one and see what I enjoy most.

When applying for Gatwick, it is important to show how passionate you are about engineering. Wether its through hobbies, previous work experience, or other interests which are engineering related. Always ask questions and don't be afraid to make mistakes. I would also suggest those applying to make sure they have good time management. Gatwick is a very busy airport and punctuality and reacting with good response times is very important.