Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprentice Review

We are Aircraft Maintenance technician apprentices, meaning we are training towards our A-license and City and Guilds to work on military aircraft, and civil aircraft at Boeing site. In our first year we are training at the ICAT facility. Day-to-day we will study A-licence material for our exams, or we will be completing our practical elements in the hangar workshop.

I have both developed existing skills and learnt new skills. The heavy workload of the A-licence material has ensured I’ve had to adapt my previous learning style, which was lower effort, in order to pass exams. Before this course, I had never used any tools, and now have learnt new skills regarding tool use and practical work.

The program at Boeing is a very good opportunity that I enjoy very much. I enjoy challenging myself in the use of tools. I also enjoy the study content, as learning about aircraft can be very interesting (depending on the module). Despite the heavy workload I am enjoying this well-planned programme.

Due to UK CAA requirements, and that the 1st year of the course is dedicated to passing the A-licence modules, the 1st year of the course is well structured. We follow a timetable that lays out what we will do daily. I.e. certain chapters of Modules, exams, and what practical element we are to do.

We are encouraged to reach out to our manager, the Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprentice Manager, as well as the Apprentice Support Specialist with any questions. They will always provide support in a quick manner. We receive support from them regarding Boeing related manners, such as E-learning, expense reports, vacation etc.

We receive a lot of support from our training provider at ICAT in our day-to-day lives. We are encouraged to seek out the many specialists employed in the college, such as the Wellness Advisor and the Learning Advisor. All the lecturers are very helpful, providing support in the hangar for our practical experience.

Working at a level 3 apprenticeship, towards our A-licence, enables us to work to perform better in our role, which at the end of the apprenticeship would be an A-licence qualified Aircraft Maintenance Technician. Our qualification is required to work on aircraft, and helps us learn about aircraft as well as to develop the standard of work required to service aircraft (practical).

There are multiple extra-curricular activities. When we joined, we had 3 days of social activities (lunches and activities) in order to bond with one another. There are sports teams we have the opportunity to join if we wish. Boeing host an annual Apprentice Awards Event, a professional networking event that all the apprentices of the course as well as many senior leaders attend.

Yes

The course is a very good opportunity for those who want to work on aircraft, as a City and Guilds/A-licence is required. The course is very good for those who are coming from school (as A-levels are required) and don’t wish to attend uni. Boeing show a lot of care for their employees.

I would advice that those who apply only apply if they are dedicated to the role, are willing to put in daily effort as it is not possible to do well in the course by putting in half effort, and are willing to move away from home as the course will have you living in 5 different places in Wales, Scotland and England in the 3 years.