Aeronautical mechanical engineer Review

I arrive to the factory on time and prepare myself for a day of work, I go to the section which I am placed into on my rotation and talk to the manager on section who gives me a task for the day, I then spend my shift learning from the staff I have been paired up with

I have learnt many skills through my apprenticeship. I have learned the basics of welding and mechanical engineering, using different types of tools for different tasks and how to solve engineering problems. I have developed my time keeping skills as I have to turn up for work at 6:30 every morning.

I thoroughly enjoy the apprenticeship programme as it has given me many skills which I wouldn't have otherwise learned on my own, I enjoy making an income and learning new skills day to day, the staff are very welcoming and are good teachers which makes the whole experience much much better

There have been some hiccups with planning and covid pushing our planned return date back further than originally anticipated, but other than that I believe that the apprenticeship is planned up to a good standard, our rotations are planned out well giving us plenty of working time on each section.

I receive a good amount of support from GE Aviation Wales, with reviews every 6 weeks to keep updated on the progress I am making and to find out whether I require any additional support from the staff for my NVQ, GE is a very supportive company which is a benefit to my learning.

We have NVQ reviews every 6 weeks with both a member of the factory staff and a member of the college where our initial training was provided, the meetings consist of conversations about my progress in the past 6 weeks and whether I need any additional support to stay on track.

The initial learning I completed at Coleg y Cymoedd has helped me massively throughout my time in the apprenticeship. Many of the hand fitting skills I have learned in college apply to the work I do in the factory and having done many reports in college has helped me adjust to filling out forms at work

Any social activities are carried out outside of work when staff decide to spend their time outside of work together which massively helps with bonding. During work there isn't much to do other than work. I did take part in a stem event to help elevate GE's image to 6th formers.

Yes

The apprenticeship provide you with all the skills to work in the aerospace industry, it is a good way to kick start your career and it is a decent company to work for with many benefits like private medical care and cycle to work among many others. the workplace is safe.

I would tell people to show their interest in engineering outside of work, that will massively help with the application process as it gives you a good starting point for conversation. The people hiring are immensely interested in why you would like to work for them so talking to them about engineering is a very good point.