Apprentice Aircraft Electrician Review

On the L3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship, I completed 1 year in the Academy of Skills and Knowledge and 2-3 years will be spent out in the business on four 6month placements. In year 1, we spent the year choosing a trade as either an Aircraft Fitter, Aircraft Electrician, Machinist, Toolmaker or Electrical/Mechanical maintenance engineer. Once we selected our role, we completed different competency and knowledge tasks (assignments/practical jobs/exams) to complete our L2 Engineering diploma specified to our job role. In years 2-4, we work out in the business in different placements. In the placements, we are mentored to manufacture different subassemblies of the aircrafts by skilled individuals, getting the competency side of our L3 Engineering diploma checked off. We also attended college once a week to complete assignments and exams in out L3 Engineering diploma.

Yes. On the whole, I have definitely seen an improvement in my current skills and/or seen new skills and knowledge develop. As I came to BAE Systems as a high school leaver, most things we complete at work are new too me as I have never looked into engineering before. Not only have my hands on skills developed, my people skills have developed too. Prior to starting BAE Systems I struggled talking to larger groups of people, now I have spoken to many people out on placement and through taking part in STEM Events of all ages and backgrounds.

I enjoy my programme. Prior to starting an Apprenticeship at BAE Systems, I didn't fully know which carer path I'd like to go down however I knew I was interested in working hands on and academically at once. From selecting an Aircraft Electrical role, I am able to work with my brain and my hands which keeps me satisfied in my job role. The jobs I have been completing in my placements have been interesting and are rewarding when you finish them, therefore helping me enjoy my job. I also have enjoyed being able to meet new people through college, placements and out of the workplace activities (Outward bound/STEM events) which have been offered to me through the apprenticeship programme, On the whole, the programme is well structured, fulfilling and effective when going into an engineering environment. I believe the one things to be improved on would be the organisation of moving the apprenticeships into their first placements as we were only told on short notice and it made things partially stressful. For second placements, we have seen an improvement of this.

Well organised/structured I have personally found the apprenticeship programme to be extremely well structured in both the knowledge aspects and the practical aspects. I found the first year split from placements to be extremely efficient, as we spent the year briefly learning the trades we would be working in in year 2-4 but in a college environment. This allowed us time to make mistakes, learn the theory behind the work etc making it much less daunting when moving into the workplace. The order of the exams/assignments in all years so far have been well structured, however the lessons we undergo are more like lectures than lessons but are informative and effective. The apprenticeship remains organised with regular LPRs (Learner progress reviews) so that the apprentices can voice any concerns and they can be tackled in a fast manner. I believe the one things to be improved on would be the organisation of moving the apprenticeships into their first placements as we were only told on short notice and it made things partially stressful. For second placements, we have seen an improvement of this.

Lots of support is provided. Whilst in the apprenticeship scheme, there is plenty of support provided from all angles. We are always working with skilled individuals, who offer support in our training. We also have contacts with mental health first aiders within our placements and in the college academy who we can contact for further support. We are provided with skills coaches, supervisors, the union and line managers in all years who we can contact for any support at any times. These individuals will either pass us on to welfare if required, or help us themselves if its an easily managed scenario.

Plenty of support is provided. When completing the qualifications, we have to work through exams, assignments, knowledge questions and write ups of practical jobs. Revision sessions are provided for these, and placements allow us 1/2 a day of written work per week, allowing us to stay up-to-date. If struggling with any of these things, we can skype our skilled coaches, college tutors or go to our mentors to guide us through the work/explain our concerns.

The Level 2 and 3 Engineering diploma helps you to perform better in your specific trade as it provides a baseline understanding to aviation engineering. As an electrical engineer, the qualification has allowed me to understand what specific electronic components and their functions. This as helped me understand different standards and why I am using specific components for specific jobs.

Outward Bound and STEM Ambassador. Whilst taking part in an apprenticeship at BAE Systems, there are multiple different opportunities for extra curricular activities. At the beginning of all schemes, the new co-ort of apprentices are given a chance to go to the lake district to complete group tasks allowing them to make friends prior to beginning work. This is a fun experience as you camp, cook, hike and complete many different team building exercises so you feel much more comfortable knowing people going into the programme. I have also volunteered as a STEM Ambassador. This has allowed me to network all around my home area, informing parents, carers, children and teachers about the opportunities an apprenticeship at BAE Systems offers.

Yes

BAE Systems is a large company with many different career paths and opportunities. The apprenticeship schemes offer, just as college would, and education to the area you are interested in but have a bonus of hands on work with professionals and a pay check. I feel stable in my career at BAE Systems and it has allowed me to do some things which many 18 year olds cannot, and meet loads of new people from all ages and backgrounds.

KNOW THE COMPANY. Learn what the company do, revise the products and the current status of the company. This shows that you are keen and have a high interest in the field you are applying in. KNOW THE COMPANY BEHAVIOIRS. Learn the company behaviours: collaboration, integrity, team working, develops people, creativity, adaptability, inspiration. Relate these to you, and things you have done in your application. GET JOB EXPERIENCE. This is a big one, job experience doesn't have to necessarily be related to the job role you want to go in, however having an part time job shows many transferable skills BAE Systems are looking for in a worker e.g. Trusted, hard worker, dedicated, time keeper etc... BE YOURSELF. Let your personality shine through your application as BAE Systems wants to know who you are, this sets you apart from the crowd.