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Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice Review

at BAE Systems

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

Kirmington

Review Submitted: May 2024

Overall Rating

3.1 /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!

3/5 - Overview of Role
4/5 - Skills Development
2.6/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
I am being trained on an approved course at an approved CAA Part-147 facility completing Part-66 modules towards a Category A aircraft mechanic licence. This involves passing theory modules and a practical element in a pseudo Part-145 environment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I am not totally sure. At the start the apprenticeship was filled with wonder and grandeur, however it took a long time for the practical element to be introduced and there was a consistent feeling of being overlooked in favour of other cohorts as they were given opportunities that we were not. The enjoyment returned when the practical element started, but quickly left again once it became clear that our examinations were not being done fairly, with some questions in the exams coming from notes that were not supplied to us.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt practical skills such as wire-locking, fabrication, and removal and installation of components.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
It is structured to the regulation, however at times this could be improved by rearranging holidays or modules so that there are no breaks in the teaching.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer seems to be pretty responsive to any issues or concerns if they can solve them.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The instructors have been generally good, however there is a clear lack of responsiveness and quality assurance in the examinations especially when it comes to the later modules.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The qualification will help in providing evidence that I am qualified to perform my role and gives some authorisation to complete tasks within my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
No extra-curricular activities have been provided that we have not had to set up externally to the workplace.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The issues with this apprenticeship are clearly the fault of the training provider rather than BAE. BAE have been a very supportive employer and do help where they can. Also the opportunities in phase 2 of the apprenticeship are second to none allowing for experiences that are otherwise difficult to come by.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Show your passion and interest in aircraft and try to come in with a continued interest in the air sector.
In This Review
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