Apprentice Aircraft Fitter Review

on a day to day basis this involves using lots of different types of equipment and machinery to fit aircraft components together. I normally drill, ream and countersink holes on multiple different parts of the aircraft. I also must fit jigs in the correct way so things can be drilled reamed and fitted in the right place of the aircraft, and fit brackets using multiple different fasteners depending on the situation.

during my time at BAE systems I have learnt lots of new fitting skills and techniques which are all hands on skills. during the first year at training centre we learnt and understood the design side to engineering drawings i.e CAD and the hand on experience of actually performing the task such as riveting, drilling and different wet assembly techniques

on this programme I am really enjoying it as you get a year of basic training skills then you will be moved out around the business and every 4 months you get a different placement this allows you to gain a wider base of knowledge from multiple different people and this also gets you comfortable and competent when you come out of your time.

the program is structured in the correct way with all the relevant units that are needed to be hit during your time around the business and the way in which you write the tasks and skills you have learnt up. however I think this could of been explained better at the start of the apprenticeship so you could get started and achieve relevant targets.

when working out in the business at any time if you are stuck it is easy to receive adequate information and help from the assessors at the training centre who will give advice on written work, you can also speak to any supervisors or managers if you feel like you need help and support when working with a skilled man on shop floor

when working in FE (further education, college) they will give you lots of help and support if needed. if you feel like you are behind or don't understand something they will set up a class every week where you can stay behind and ask tutors questions 1 to 1

I feel like during the FE classes we undertake relevant subjects which give us more understanding and knowledge about what we are doing out in the business such as theory of flight and mechanical principles. other subjects such as maths and basic English helps us keep a basic knowledge of everything not just about engineering

at work there are plenty of extra curricular activity's that we can attend from this like volunteering to help out at an event to competing at world skills in Birmingham. the company also finds people to host events like fundraisers to help out other causes such as a 5 aside team

Yes

at bae systems there are opportunity's to do everything from learning new skills and having the opportunity to travel over the work and work in different countries. the business is a blue chip company meaning it is well know for having good apprenticeships and a long lasting career ahead of you, where there are opportunity's to move into different departments.

the biggest tip is making sure that you do apply and don't miss the deadline! when applying the company needs people who want to learn new skills and become better at what they do and people who do that but safely by using the correct PPE and making sure everyone around them is safe aswell