Aircraft Engineer Review

My current role is an aircraft engineer based on a CFM Final Assembly production line. Meaning, I assemble the four sub-assembly modules to create the final product, a high-bypass turbofan aircraft engine. My job role is completely manual, working with tools and tooling day-to-day. I work with a team of roughly thirty engineers, therefore teamwork is essential.

I have developed many skills whilst working in the aircraft industry. Foremost, team-working skills. In addition to this my communication skills have greatly improved. My manual dexterity is constantly improving on a daily basis as well as my interpersonal skills. Moreover, my time-management skills have also improved as I am always working to strict deadlines.

I very much enjoy my job role. I am very glad I choose the apprenticeships route as I earned whilst I learnt as well as gaining vital qualifications. I feel my job role has improved my self-confidence and has give me a strong work ethic. I am looking to further develop my career and climb the ladder within the aerospace industry as I enjoy it so much.

The apprenticeship programme is very well structured. Overall it’s a three year apprenticeship. The first year is spent full time in college studying aerospace engineering. The second year consists of working four days a week with one day studying in college and the final year is spent learning your craft, five days a week.

During the three years I recieved continuous supports from my employer, attending regular reviews and filling out feedback forms. If any time I needed assurance I could contact my apprenticeship coordinator Louise, who would usually get back to me instantly. In addition, there were many apprenticeship assessors throughout the factory that were always there to lend a helping hand.

The college were brilliant! The tutors and lectures were always there to support you regarding matters in and out of work. Regular reviews were also carried out on-site to understand what additional support you needed, if any. I also had regular contact with an NVQ assessor every week who would provide me with regular goals to achieve.

I think the qualification most definitely helps within the workplace. As well as the academic side, the qualification also helped with interpersonal skills relating to real life scenarios. The training providers also had a lot of experience within the industry thus they could give useful advice to help with performance.

In addition to the apprenticeship, GE Aviation offered the chance to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. This was a brilliant experience as modules included volunteering for a year, learning a new skill and a residential stay which also helped harness and devlop existing interpersonal skills. GE Aviation Wales are also linked with the STEM project which I have taken part in many times.

Yes

General Electric are a very flexible and supportive worldwide, well known cooperation. In addition to a brilliant workplace atmosphere, the company provided you with many extra perks and brilliant chances to further your career. Moreover, during your training the company provide you with many extra approvals and licenses that you can use world wide!

Regarding the initial application, be cheesey (as GE is an American company). Make sure you portray all your existing qualifications and achievements. List any existing experience related to the field you’re applying for. Ensure that you revise for the inductive aptitude tests and learn a lot of information about the company for the interview!