Apprentice Avionics Engineer Review

I am an apprentice avionics technician. Now I'm on my work placement I work with other engineers and the RAF on Typhoon avionic systems like radar and radios.

I've learnt everything anew. From interpreting diagrams and instructions to wiring repairs and fitting. I've gained PEO handskills and a tech diploma so far. I will complete and NVQ Level 3 in Aeronautical Engineering soon.

I did my first year with a great cohort of apprentices who had a great dynamic and got on well. I learned to love company culture and working with others.

While I hear a lot about how apprentices are the future I do feel like on the hangar floor apprentices aren't valued as much as other members of teams, however this is sometimes well justified. Personally I'm involved in other projects such as local and national apprentice council so I feel valued through that.

Not well, but its improving. I joined at a time of a massive change of facilities and management so many aspects of the course were poorly organised. However I've seen this improve greatly from our feedback for future cohorts.

Lots. We have access to numerous people and resources for anything work and home related. A dedicated welfare officer was fantastic in this respect.

BAE has a lot of resources available due to being a large company. While sometimes difficult to find, the resources provide guidance for virtually anything at a high standard.

The apprentice starting salary is very attractive for the first year. However I think it should be much higher than it is for the second year due to most apprentices having to move far away from home for the first time.

I personally don't like the locations of RAF coningsby and AMA Humberside as they're very isolated with little to do outside work. This was heightened by the fact that I couldn't drive during my first year and was solely reliant on others.

Yes

It has provided me with an exceptionally good start in life in terms of both career and life skills. I moved out at just turned 17 to start this apprenticeship and gave myself an independence that I don't see in many people my age group.

Have an interest in the industry but don't have too much. I've seen aviation enthusiasts get frustrated doing what they thought they'd love doing day in day out and losing their enthusiasm.