Mechatronic Engineering Apprentice Review

I absolutely love this apprenticeship. Throughout the entire programme I have felt nothing but support from any person I have come across, from within engineering, but also from the surrounding departments which Gatwick have. You genuinely feel cared for, as you have 24/7 support from any manager or technician as they have more than likely been in the same position as you, as most managers and technicians have been through the apprenticeship programme themselves.
Gatwick takes the time to build you into a better person, setting you up for a life within the industry, and typically with them as most staff start there career here and also end it here, staying until they retire.

Throughout the apprenticeship I have lost track of the amount of skills I have learnt. In the first two years you spend your time at college learning the basics of engineering, and building a base layer of understanding, skills and knowledge. Learning subjects from Electrical and Mechanical Principles, to Welding, Turning, Milling, the fundamentals of hydraulics and pneumatics, CAD modelling but also electrical installation, and fabrication with hand tools.
Whilst at Gatwick you then further these skills, learning how to understand, maintain and fault find the specific systems we have at Gatwick, along with useful information which can be found across engineering as an industry, regardless of the company.
Since being in my 3rd and 4th years I have also taken the opportunity to carry out other optional courses, such as PAT Testing, and IPAF Training. Which will stay with my for my whole career.
Throughout the apprenticeship you also learn a handful of useful life skills, such as how to confidently give presentations and talks to large crowds, how to plan and manage your own projects, and one of the most important time management. As it is vital for you to be able to manage time efficiently, to be able to make it through an apprenticeship.

At Gatwick each team has a fund per person for team building days which gatwick ensure to use every year. This allows for teams to build stronger relationships, which then increases efficiency and overall communication as a team.
Every year as part of the apprenticeship we are all taken to an outward bounds facility for 5 days, where you spend time with all of the other apprentices, going out for hikes, gorge walking, climbing, abseiling, and even canoeing. Each activity ties into Gatwick's values, and every year we come away feeling closer as a group, and in some ways more confident as at least one task will be out of your comfort zone and new to you.

Simply show that you have a passion for engineering. You don't have to have completed massive engineering projects in the past, or have all the answers, skills and experience. If you simple show that you are interested, enthusiastic, hard working and proactive, I am sure that Gatwick will see the potential and give you an opportunity to make the most of that drive.