Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice Review

For the first year, I am currently working towards my A-licence exams and practical work at ICAT - involving working with metal on a simulated aircraft insert repair, working on the training aircraft and hand skills trainers. Upon completing this year, I move to OJT for 2 years.

My programme has taught me important skills that I will utilise in industry. The practical tasks involve improving and using basic hand skills and tool skills that I will come across in industry, with the training aircraft serving to contextualise those skills and serve as experience.

My programme can be difficult academically at times due to the block learning structure, but it is well refined and rewarding when completing exams. The practical elements are extremely enjoyable and I am looking forward to OJT in July.

The programme has been refined incredibly well to ease people into the programme, with the easiest exams coming first to help apprentices settle into their new accommodation. There is a clear timetable for the year that is rarely amended, meaning plans are clear.

The support system within Boeing is very well structured, as well as informal support from tutors and managers. The recovery systems for failed exams is also well organised, offering multiple resists in different time frames to ensure all apprentices can re-take exams when they are comfortable.

All exams are primarily sat in the first year when at ICAT, meaning support is available all week long face to face with tutors. The practical work is well supervised, with tutors being on hand to give personal advice and help in a very reasonable time.

Our qualifications are vital to achieve in order to be qualified to sign off work on live aircraft after the apprenticeship - meaning the CAA approved course is very applicable and relevant to our work.

Due to the 1st year being extremely busy, there is not much opportunity for formal extra-curricular activities. Due to apprentices living in the same accommodation however, there is a lot of self-organised activities outside of work - as apprentices share quite a good bond outside of work.

Yes

The company has offered amazing support to complete my qualifications, far above any company or school I have attended beforehand. The programme is tough but rewarding, and well refined from the previous years. Being such a large company, there are many opportunities after the apprenticeship and job security.

To showcase their love for the chosen field they are applying to, whilst showing their personality and character. I feel it is important to not only show your academic side in the application, but to also show you are a well rounded person outside of work.