Aerospace Engineering Apprentice Review

As an Apprentice this depends on the placement as we move around a lot, but at the moment I am doing modelling and simulation tasks where I use software in order to simulate the Aircraft Landing Gear. I am in charge of this task and I work independently, however I need to talk with stakeholders in order to define the task.

I have learnt loads of new skills, mainly software skills as these are the placements I enjoy the most, I have also learnt presentation skills as at the end of each placement you need to present to your manager what work you have done. I have also learnt to communicate with people and manage my time.

I really enjoy the work I am doing, however it can depend on your placement and whether you enjoy it or not. But overall the programme is good. I really enjoy getting paid while I learn and I get to put the theory I learn at uni into practice in my day to day task.

You got to college in the first year and then when you come into the business in the second year there is lots of support available to you and the structure is flexible with with placements you choose. After the first year you spend 3 days in airbus and 2 days at uni.

Support is always there if you need it, If you need any information then there is always people to ask and help you. Everyone is helpful and enjoys supporting apprentices. We have 3 main people that can help us, our early careers manager (managers all apprentices), our placement manager (in charge of us while in placemen) or our Target Area Owner (person in charge of apprentices in your target are, mine is Landing Gear)

We are at Uni so we have all the support that uni students have, we can ask lectures questions or email them. We also do a NVQ Lv4 which a member of staff from the college comes into Airbus to talk us through it and answer any questions. However doing the work is up to you (which is the same for uni students).

Again it all depends on the placements you do, some placements you don't use any uni skills but then some you do. Some placements my stress analysis skills have really helped however in some placements I've just been writing documents which is a useful skill to learn but doesn't really fit directly in with any uni topics.

There are loads, I play in an Airbus 5 a side football league with some of the other apprentices. We also run Apprentice nights out with all years. Within landing gear there are always loads of networking events in which you get the opportunity to talk to many different people.

Yes

Lots of opportunities to travel and lots of different placements with different skills. Very inclusive culture and friendly work force. You can get paid to learn which is amazing and I've made loads of new friends including other apprentices, interns and graduates as there are loads of early careers events to go to.

Make sure you know the company and the role you are applying for. Know what Airbus does and specifically what the site you are applying for does. Know the Airbus values. Do lots of extra curricular stuff to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Be confident and don't be afraid to ask the interviewer question in the interview.