Craft Apprentice Review

My day to day role is to learn how to perform tasks which allow me to manufacture aircraft wings. I help a fully qualified fitter to perform his tasks and learn from him/her. I also attend a college one day a week to study for several Btec qualifications linked to engineering.

I have learned many new practical skills such as: drilling, riveting and bolting. I have also developed some existing skills and have learned some other skills that aren’t necessarily practical, such as teamwork, communication and professionalism.

I have enjoyed my programme thoroughly. It is a really enjoyable opportunity.

The programme is very well structured, there is a very experienced managerial team who are there to help you along. These managers have put in deadlines to meet so that you are always at the right place in terms of your qualifications and for that reason you can’t fall behind.

I receive a lot of help from my employer. There is a management team of several members, all of whom are helpful and approachable.

I receive a lot of support from shop floor workers (fitters) as they fully understand their jobs, so they can fully explain how to carry the jobs out and you can learn from this. Most of them have done this apprenticeship themselves so therefore they understand how important it is to learn the jobs.

My qualification is very tailored to enhancing my performance, building my skillset for the future. This helps me to perform at my best.

In Airbus there is a networking team called Gen A. Their presence in Airbus is huge and they are very popular members of the Airbus community. They help to organise trips, sports activities and social events. They have a regular newsletter to advertise for future events that you may want to get involved in.

Yes

I would recommend my apprenticeship because I have realised that it is one of the best apprenticeships around. It is an excellent opportunity, well paid and enjoyable.

My advice would be: be confident in your abilities, show commitment & enthusiasm and finally to realise how much of an incredible opportunity it would be to work for Airbus.