Aircraft maintenance apprentice Review

My role as an apprentice is to keep up to date with the modules we need to complete in order to get our A-licence and pass the apprenticeship. We also need to keep on top of a log book where we log any jobs we have done as well as an MET booklet - this is where we log our hours working on live aircraft and list the jobs we completed.

Yes - I joined the apprenticeship with little hand skills and through the workshop phase of our apprenticeship we gained many hand skills working with sheet metal as-well as using and understanding different fastener types. The hand skills working on live aircraft as-well as working with tools like torque wrench’s, tensiometers and other equipment on the aircraft and understanding systems.

I throughly enjoy my apprenticeship. I find it very real to the job itself because we are on the same shift pattern as all of the licensed engineers and they ensure to include us on the plan to make sure that we feel included in the schedule and know what work is to be carried out in the day.

Considering COVID and the huge impact the pandemic has has on the industry, I believe British Airways have really succeeded in making sure that we still meet our deadlines and finding us placements to work on even though there are still engineers that are on furlough. Because of this, I believe it is well structured and organised.

Our employer is very supportive, they are always encouraging us to meet the deadlines while being reasonable and understanding the work load. Our employer ensures that we are keeping on top of the work aswell. This is done by reviews and ensuring that we are progressing. If we are not. The correct support is available.

Our training provider is good at supporting us. While working towards the qualifications. The support we receive is adequate. Sometimes the provider has to be prompted that some of us have resits etc. However, is a generally good provider. The lessons we get including remedial sessions are good.

The qualification is vital to the role we play. Without the training provider, we wouldn’t be able to get modules - meaning that therefore wouldn’t be able to obtain our licence. The knowledge and hand skills we learn through the provider is definitely beneficial to our role and understanding systems better.

Due to COVID, the extra curricular activities have all sort of been prosponed. Because of this I have personally not completed any extra curricular activities however, if the opportunity does come up for these to take place. I will more than happily apply and consider doing something like social activities and networking events.

Yes

I would recommend British Airways to a friend due to the brilliant opportunities I have has with the company. We are able to complete a licence aswell as making great friends who you work with. Everyone within the company is always welcoming and more than happy to help you if you ever need a hand with anything

Just be yourself, ensure that your revising to your full potential for any exams and keep on top of the workload. It can get a lot of you let it creep up on you but also make sure you have fun and make the most out of the opportunity. It’s a great opportunity and wouldn’t want to waste it.