Aircraft Maintenance Trainee Review

The first year is mainly classroom based, with exams on all of the major subsections of an aircraft operating systems. this includes things like engines, structures, materials, avionics, mechanical operation etc. this is a tough year and will test your ability to retain information and re-use it in a practical application. There is a workshop phase in the first year also in which you create a wiring board from scratch to a specific drawing, and also manufacture the leading edge strut of a wing. These workshop phases are intended to increase the hand skills prior to beginning work on the aircraft which happens towards the end of the first year. This programme was a new one designed for my cohort, and as we were the first ones through it we encountered some problems, as is natural. But with that said, it gives you a good base for starting your career. the second year is spent on base putting all of the skills and knowledge you gained in the first year into practice on a specific platform (Typhoon, Hawk, or even the F35.) This year is a lot of fun, but it is also hard work, and if you don't keep the work ethic and put the effort in it can become very difficult to finish on time. That said, in the second year you get a lot of responsibility and the teams will treat you like you are just another member of the team, they won't look down on you for being an apprentice!

I have been in an engineering field since I was young so this programme was a lot of developing existing skills for me, however we had a lot of apprentices on our cohort come straight from sixth form or school so it was an entirely new experience for them. The training provided and the instructors providing it were flexible enough to account for all of the different skill levels and it wasn't long until we were all at the same level.

The first year is a tough one, it can be daunting and tests your resolve when the exam time rolls around, as does any educational programme, however the reward at the end is more than worth it. I have thoroughly enjoyed the second year and I have achieved more than I thought I would in the time I have been based at my second year location.

The first year can be a bit disorganised, "the best laid plans don't survive first contact..." and all that, but keeping yourself organised can help a lot with that. The second year is almost exclusively yours to organise, so if you don't do it well you won't finish. There are people around to help and guide you, and your team will do their best to help, but it's best to get into the habit early during the first year so it is not such a shock in the second.

BAE Systems is always trying to help, there's employee helplines and multiple resources on the intranet if you need them. There's a lot of mental health first aiders on site as well and the team leaders are all very understanding and will help you get through anything that may be troubling you, from a bad break-up to family problems and losses, and even if you find yourself with a problem such as gambling or drinking. The team is always there to help if you ask for it, and sometimes even if you don't. I've lost track of the amount of times people have asked each other if they're okay simply because they've acted a bit different lately.

In the first year it can be a lot like school. There is a welfare officer if you need them, and the instructors will be more than willing to listen and guide you if you need it. A lot of the instructors can be a bit gruff (former RAF personnel) but they understand what you're going through as they have been through it before, so they can help. Being open and honest about anything you're struggling with is the best way to get it sorted, and even when you don't know what's wrong you're just stressed with the course a listening ear can make a big difference. My team leader during the first year was outstanding and helped me through a lot.

My qualification has helped me greatly through my second year, allowing me to fault find effectively and perform tasks I have never encountered before with confidence. The resources provided me in the first year have continued to serve me well in the second, both through my evidence gathering and write ups, to my ability to interview for promotion roles.

During the first year there isn't much time for extra-curriculars, however there are team days and apprentice week challenges to et involved in, as well as time outside of work to do things with friends (we had a small football competition going during the summer, and a rock climbing trip into Hull a few times a month). But during the second year you can join as many clubs as you want.

Yes

At the moment, with the knowledge I have, I would recommend BAE Systems for anyone who wants to go abroad, but doesn't mind how long it takes to get there. The work is good, and the pay is great, but it can be trying, so it can beat people down if they are not ready for it.

Be prepared to work hard, the reward is worth it, but you have to put the effort in. It isn't easy, but you'll see some pretty amazing things. It's definitely worth it and you'll make some good friends, but don't lose sight of the goal. The first year may feel like school, but remember it's your job!