Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprentice Review

Item: Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprentice at Boeing UK
Rating: 4.8
Author: Anonymous

at Boeing UK

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Odiham

Review Submitted: March 2023

Overall Rating

4.8 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4.5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.6/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

The first year of my apprenticeship is based in an academic environment at the International Centre for Aerospace Training. Day to day, you're learning aircraft maintenance theory modules (UK CAA A-Licence) and performing basic workshop tasks. In years 2 and 3 you move onto on-the-job training (OJT) where you are stationed at different locations carrying out aircraft maintenance tasks on our customers aircraft. This includes fault diagnosis, component overhauls and major repairs.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed my programme, especially in years 2 to 3 where we started our OJT. Being able to work on active, customer aircraft holds a massive sense of responsibility and makes me feel extremely proud. I enjoyed meeting colleagues, making new friends and getting involved with an industry I long aspired to be a part of.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have learnt an abundance of new skills as well as developed existing skills. The apprenticeship allowed me to enhance my communication, time keeping and leadership skills. Furthermore, I have gained new skills such as in-depth knowledge of a variety of aircraft systems. I have advanced my hand skills; now being able to confidently perform a variety of aircraft maintenance tasks.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

I was part of the second iteration (cohort) of this programme. The programme is now accepting applications for cohort 6. Each year the programme has become more organised and structured as feedback from the previous years is passed down.
I believe the first year of academic study is positive, as you're in the learning mindset for the entirely of that year. Once you complete the first year, you're able to spend the next 24 months working between different customer sites gaining practical experience.
The structure is well formed.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

4/5

As an individual, I received exceptional support from my employer to assist me with my learning requirements. Where necessary, extra time was put into place and the training provider (ICAT) was able to offered face-to-face support for any apprentices that required it. My employer also has an organisational employee assistance program which is open to everyone, including apprentices.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

My training provider and employer always kept track of our studies and progress towards qualifications. We had NVQ assessors who we had frequent tag-ups with to review our progress and ask for help when needed. The tutor we had at ICAT always supported us in class time; asking questions and providing extra resources on topics any of us felt unsure of.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

I had to work hard to gain my qualification and it is well recognised within our industry and other engineering trades. Having my qualification gives me the confidence that I have the ability to perform this job and encourages me to work hard, learn and become the best aircraft technician I can be.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

5/5

One of the big extra-curricular activities I participate in is supporting our STEM network. This involves organising and supporting local events. Examples include open-days at schools and colleges, networking events and giving presentations to a variety of audiences on our apprenticeship programme; promoting it to the future generation.
Within my cohort, we meet up regularly in a social setting and frequently joined by other technicians.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Boeing UK to a friend?

Yes

Why?

The benefit this apprenticeship programme has over other similar programmes is we can provide both commercial and defence aviation experience. Other providers can typically offer one or the other. Boeing is a massive company that can offer future opportunities across the world. As previously mentioned, Boeing offers fantastic support to employees and apprentices are looked after throughout the programme.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Boeing UK?

If applying for an apprenticeship with Boeing Defence UK Ltd, my advice would be to be open, honest and genuine. Tell us about you and why you're passionate in joining this scheme. Individuals who have unique facts about themselves, or interests such as fixing cars etc is a good conversation starting point for interviews etc. Even if you're not mechanically minded, showing your passion within this field is important and demonstrates you want to learn and become an aircraft engineer.

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