Engineering Apprentice Review

by Gatwick Airport

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.5/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Day to day I get hands on working along side fully trained engineers responding to faults and completing preventative maintenance on various equipment to ensure the all equipment works correctly and the passenger experience is the best it can be. I am currently on Airfield and maintaining airfield assets.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

The main skill I have developed is the ability to use tools and equipment correct under the supervision of technicians, whilst at college I gained skills such as electrical installation, hydraulics and pneumatics and also hand fitting, all of which I am able to continue to develop on site

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy the apprenticeship at Gatwick, It is good to work alongside technicians who are willing to devote their time to help me develop more. This helps a lot as it allows me to connect with technicians and build great relationships with others to take forward to my career

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The program is extremely well organized which is great as apprentices move through different departments which takes a lot of planning. the first year is spent full time at college and after this we rotate throughout different sections and get to see a wide range of engineering disciplines

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Gatwick offers support for not only work life but also home life, there are process and people dedicated to ensuring we are getting the support we need. On a day to day basis apprentices have mentors and shift leaders who are available and there is required.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Our college provides a lot of support to Gatwick apprentices. I am currently on day release and my tutors are providing me with all the resources and knowledge I need to develop as an apprentice.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

By gaining my BTEC and now completing my HNC I feel that I have brought a lot of knowledge to the workplace which has allowed me to understand in more detail how equipment works and also allowed me to give inputs on how to resolve problems.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Every year Gatwick apprentices go on an Outward bound course which allows us to complete fun activities whilst building our teamwork and communication skills. Mangers, heads of departments and technicians will also come along and complete this with us which builds great relationships to bring back to work.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Gatwick Airport to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The apprenticeship at Gatwick allows you to rotate around many different departments, such as; Electronics, airfield, Life safety systems, heating and ventilation and many more. This allows you to develop many different engineering disciplines and provides you with skills to become the best engineer you can.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Gatwick Airport?

If you want to apply for the apprenticeship then it is important that you have a real passion for engineering and you show your willingness to learn and develop. It is a 4 year course and is intense and therefore you need to be dedicated to your development