Engineering Apprentice Review

We are training to become maintenance engineering technicians with tasks varying from department to department within the airport. Terminal engineering revolves around maintaining all aspects of the terminal from card readers to baggage systems. TTS (Tracked Transit System) teams keep the cars moving from terminal to satellites. And AGL (Airfield Ground Lighting) are responsible for keeping the runways and taxiways illuminated.

As an adult apprentice I have had opportunities to learn skill before I started at MAG, but my time onsite here working with the technicians have given me an opportunity to further develop my skills and understanding on how aspects of the airport work and operate, as well as learning how to maintain them.

The programme has been very enjoyable so far and the job prospects after the apprenticeship are great, the main issues have been with the learning provider. Being moved around the 3 departments keeps the work interesting and varied, and there is always something new to learn in and around the airport.

In respects to MAG, they are organised and prepared with work ready for the apprentices to get involved with from the very start. In respects to Harlow college, there seems to have been some issues adapting to the new apprenticeship standard. This is to be expected but it has help us back and we are now behind.

Our employer gives us support in all situation. They have been very involved in trying to amend the situation with our training provider, and on site both management and technicians have been ready to help with anything, no matter how small or large the issues are. Management are very easy to approach and talk to.

We receive a lot of support when working towards our qualifications, but there has been some planning issues when it comes to the new apprenticeship standard. As we are the first group to go through this it is to be expected. But the issues they have had are delaying our progression.

It is very tough to see what is relevant when it comes to what we are learning at college and what we are supposed to be doing within the work place. The majority of our practical skills are developed in the work place, and our theory work is supposed to be performed at college.

Another apprentice and myself were recently invited to play golf with one of the golf society within the workplace. There are a lot of volunteer opportunities at work to get involved in and we are always recommended to attend, along with several charitable opportunities. Getting involved with these will often mean being rewarded for your time.

Yes

As an employer they have been very welcoming and friendly. Management are all very easy to approach and talk to, even regarding personal subjects. They are invested in their employees, and are always pushing for the teams to better themselves in any way they can, from training, to work incentives.

Be professional, open and honest. If you have what it takes to perform within the airport industry then they will see that and invest in you. If you do get selected as a potential employee, you must show that you are committed and dedicated to the workplace, and willing to adapt to a constantly changing environment.