Apprentice Aircraft Fitter Review
at Airbus
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Broughton, Chester CH4, UK
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
College in 1st year- one day per week studying for engineering based BTECs and the rest of the week in the metal workshop. Good opportunity to learn hand skills and use aircraft tooling. Note- not all TTOs are good teachers but all have experience so sometimes it’s better to ask lots of questions
Placements in later years- very good opportunity to work on real aircraft wings. Airbus employees are all very helpful and pass on their knowledge and experience
Placements in later years- very good opportunity to work on real aircraft wings. Airbus employees are all very helpful and pass on their knowledge and experience
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The program is enjoyable not only in the respect of the job itself but also in the work life balance. As an apprentice it is rare to work a full day on Fridays or even at all and being partly in college and partly in the factory breaks the week up nicely. The days off are intended for catching up on college work but if you stay on top of it then they are just days off. Only downside is knowing you’ll have to work full weeks when you come out of your time but by then you’ll be on a lot of money so who cares
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
As a result of a year in college and subsequent placements in various departments of the company I have learned many skills mainly in hand skills. Some of the BTECs in college feel a little too easy at times however the practical side of the apprenticeship is far more important and rewarding. The apprenticeship also teaches a sense of responsibility for work and allows you to find pride in your role. Airbus is a huge company and offers room for wide spreading aspirations amongst its many departments.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is fairly well organised however sometimes deadlines can be a little unusual- one week you can be free of all assignments and the next week you get set 2 or 3. This is understandable however since the sometimes slow pace of the work is necessary for everyone to be on track rather than have the faster paced learners go ahead. Can’t be helped basically. Organisation as good as can be reasonably expected from such a large company.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
More than enough. Early careers managers are very helpful in all aspects of the job. They provide support in regards to general queries, placement information, well-being and guidance on career progression. The company pays very fairly and also provides a bonus based on the company’s performance as a whole.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Coleg Cambria has an expert team of mostly ex-Airbus staff and also staff form many other engineering/aerospace backgrounds who are excellent teachers armed with decades of experience. Deadlines are always fair and the work is never too difficult to pass as long as you put the effort in regularly.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The apprenticeship offers qualifications which are all helpful towards the role. Many are science based qualifications which explain the theory behind the work. Others such as; Human Factors in Aviation are more sociological and equally as useful as they provide insight into how to get the most out of your career and how to look after yourself at work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are many opportunities such as Gen-A which is a social club that runs many activities which are often charity based and also competitive or sporting. There are also trips to airports and an outward bounds trip in the first year which provides opportunities to build character and working relationships.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Airbus to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The apprenticeship is interesting and enjoyable
The job is rewarding
The money is good as an apprentice and outstanding as a qualified fitter especially considering the quantity of work that you get paid for.
Good opportunities to work abroad in Bremen, Toulouse, Hamburg and Alabama.
Good opportunities for progression and moving around various departments
The job is rewarding
The money is good as an apprentice and outstanding as a qualified fitter especially considering the quantity of work that you get paid for.
Good opportunities to work abroad in Bremen, Toulouse, Hamburg and Alabama.
Good opportunities for progression and moving around various departments
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Airbus?
Research the company and try and gain a good understanding of what happens. Try and get familiar with the basic structure of the wing. Be interested. Sell yourself as a hard worker who is keen to learn. make sure you get the grades Airbus ask for. Be enthusiastic. List the reasons why you want to work for Airbus
