Aerospace Engineering Undergraduate Apprentice Review

Currently I am in a Single Aisle Design placement, workin on transfering all the manufacturing drawings to 3D CAD models by 3D scanning wing components and comparing the scans to the 3D CAD models and the 2D drawings simultaneously then writing a reconciliation report on them in order to ensure that the 3D CAD models can be taken as master. My previous placement was in the A350 Quality Lineside department whereby i performed line checks and inspections of the wings and carried out process confirmations in order to ensure that the product being manufactured was to the required standard. In doing this i worked a lot with collegues in the Final Assembly Lines, liasing with both the customers and suppliers, looking for the root cause of issues picked up during customer inspections. I carry out this work 4 days a week and the 5th day i spend at an off-site training facility where i attend university lectures in order to work towards my BEng Degree. I am also a STEM Ambassador and work a lot with the Education Laison Team, traveling to schools and running events promoting STEM subjects.

I have learned many new skills such as the Aircraft standard procedures and processes for metalworking and the ability to use 3D Modelling software. I have also improved my transferable skills such as public speaking and report writing. My confidence has grown further and both my personal and professional networks are continuously expanding.

I thoroughly enjoy the work that i do both for my BEng degree and day-to-day for Airbus. During my placements i get a great variation of work and can tailor my programme to suit me and the types of work which i enjoy most. At times juggling university assessments and day-to-day work can be challenging but i am offered any support i may need and encouraged to constantly reach further and strive to be the best i can.

The structure of the programme is very clear. The first 6 months are spent full time in an off-site training facility working towards an NVQ. Following from this we spend the remainder of the first and the second year rotating in 3 month placements around the factory and are on day release to college for university. For the final year, we decide which department we want to finish out apprenticeship and come out of out time in whilst still being on college day release. The corse is in the most part well organised however there can be last minute changes but i believe these cant always be helped due to the contunously changing nature of the industry.

A lot of support is provided by the company whenever and wherever they can. The Early Careers managers are always at the end of the phone and if they are unable to assist with the problem they will be able to put you in touch with someone who can. Placement Managers and collegues are always available to assist with NVQ and university work if necessary as many have been in our position themselves.

Support from the training provides is less readily available than that from the company simply due to the fact that we are not based in the training facility full time, and we are university students therefore the high level of support is not expected. If we have any issues with assessments we can easily email out lecturers for assistance and they are always happy to help where they can.

Most of the university modules relate closely to the day-to-day work we carry out. It is very much a 2-way street with dat-to-day work being used to assist with university work and vicer vercer depending on the placement we are in at the time and the topic being learned in university.

There are always events being organised by the GenA group which is similar to a student union. There is football, languages club, guest speakers every week. Anyone is able to set up a new activity if there is the interest for it to be successful. GenA also organise charity events such as Band Nights, Race Nights and Open Mic Nights in the sports and social club. There is an on-site gym with discounted membershit for employees and there are always charity challenge events being organised as well as the UK Challenge and one off trips such as to Manchester Airport, Paintballing, GoKarting etc.

Yes

I believe that for Engineering, Degree Level Apprenticeships are the way forward not only for financial reasons but once you graduate you will have 3 years industry experience under your belt and many additional qualifications. I toroughly enjoy the work i do and love every minute of my apprenticeship. There is always the scope to challenge yourself and tailor the programme to suit you. Airbus are a fantastic employer to work for providing so much opportuity to progress through the ranks and travel worldwide.

Ensure you research the company and the course well as you should when applying to anywhere. Work hard in your qualifications to achieve the best you can and really show yourself off as a person. Show confidence and willing to learn along with the ability to take responsibility for your actions and own any mistakes you make. Be yourself and make yourself known for the right reasons.