Electrical Engineer Review

I am an electrical engineering apprentice at GE Aviation. This involves removing, repairing and rebuilding electrical harnesses and components on the engine. Day-to-day, I repair harnesses that are removed from the engine in the event that damage has occurred. Repairing consists of replacing sheathe, cables and connectors on the harness.

I have learnt an abundance of skills throughout the apprenticeship. I have developed my hand skills significantly whilst working on the job. I have learnt how aircraft engines work and the smaller components that contribute to the function of the engine. Some electrical components include ignition exciters, sensors and harnesses.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme. Aviation is a very interesting topic and it's been interesting for myself to learn how engines operate and the smaller components on the engine. Building up my NVQ has been a gradual process, and it's satisfying to build up a portfolio of work to look back on.

The induction process can be overwhelming but its important as the information is essential when carrying out work. The on-the-job training I receive from engineers is excellent and are always there to help in my experience. I have plenty of time to complete my NVQ during work so I don't have to overly stress about deadlines.

The support I receive from engineers on the shop floor is excellent. However, the communication from managers and staff higher up in the hierarchy isn't ideal. The guidance from engineers is usually your best best if you're stuck with a problem. The HR team is pretty good and are generally quick to respond if you have an issue.

The accessibility of support is generally poor as there are a lack of assessors throughout the site, especially with a split shift pattern; meaning I don't see any assessors that are on the other shift. My tutor is helpful but I can only see them for a limited amount of time.

My college course was completely irrelevant to what I'm doing on a day-to-day basis on site with the exception of one unit. The subjects were nothing to do with aviation and definitely could've been thought out better to help aid us when we're completing tasks on site.

The company occassionally organizes events for people to attend. These events are of a good variety, including walks, charity events and help for the local community. Apprentices have plenty of opportunities to attend career talks, which help aid students after completion of their GCSE's. These are usually held in local colleges.

Yes

I recommend GE Aviation as it is an excellent place to work with plenty of benefits and a good pension scheme. The pay is very competitive and the job itself is stress-free due to the industry. There are a few negatives including support and communication; however, I believe the pros easily outweigh the cons.

Do your research beforehand, enquire about work experience which is a massive help during your interview. An aviation engineering course would aid you massively before applying, however it is not required. Do some revision before assessment days and get plenty of practical practice in. The onboarding experience is hard work, and requires a lot of patience as it can be overwhelming.