Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice Review

Work is varied, during the first year of the scheme it is 100% college based carrying out foundation competence and a licence exams. In the second and third year it is on the job training working on the shop floor maintaining a variety of the Boeing platforms based in the UK. Maintenance of the aircraft is varied and allows you to get involved in a variety of tasks.

I have expanded my knowledge of rotary platforms and have gained a deeper understanding on the different systems onboard Chinook. I have also developed my handskills such as installing locking methods such as wire locking. I have also developed my skills in interpreting engineering information through the use of engineering documents and learnt new skills such as applying hydraulic power to Chinook.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme and the opportunities that it offers. Within the hangar I've been allowed access to a wide variety of opportunities from working with both mechanical and avionic technicians to working as part of a flight test team and working within some of the support functions. Outside of the hangar there are opportunities to take part in STEM, LEAN and early careers events and projects.

The programme is extremely well structured - you know exactly what your goals are and what you should be working towards. Apprentices are well supported with regular meetings with the NVQ Assessor and Training provider as well as being in regular contact with our management and support team.

Apprentices are well supported, we are able to get in contact with our management and support team easily. Boeing also provide support through the Employee assistant programme. Apprentices are also buddied up with apprentices further ahead in the programme if there's any questions you have whether it is exams, placements or anything else you can go to them for advice and help.

The training provider gives apprentices a lot of support. When based in college, apprentices have access to the college support programmes. Once out onto the shop floor, ALS provide monthly progress meetings that highlight wellbeing as well as if any additional support is needed. Monthly NVQ meetings allow apprentices to see the NVQ assessor to discuss progress as well.

It actively allows us to seek out jobs on the aircraft meaning that we are able to get a breadth of experience across the whole platform. By gaining this experience, it allows us to have well rounded training. The only downside to it, the reports are time consuming often taking time away from the aircraft. However by writing up jobs in task reports allows us to get into the habit of carrying out paperwork following jobs

Due to living together for the first 10 months in Cardiff there is a lot of opportunities to socialise and spend time together outside of work. There is also opportunities to network at the annual apprentice awards and graduation celebration, early careers days and team building organised by the company.

Yes

I would recommend the programme to a friend, and have done so, as the programme allows for a great springboard into the industry working on Boeing platforms, integrated with teams. It also allows for opportunities to experience a variety of functions that support maintenance operations. There are also opportunties to promote STEM, Early careers and LEAN and gain relevant qualifications in the industry.

When applying for Boeing I would recommend gaining extra-curricular experiences such as Air Cadets, DofE, Voluntary work. I would also recommend taking every opportunity that presents itself to allow you to be the most well rounded candidate possible. Expressing a genuine interest and passion for the industry will also go a long way when applying.