Quality Engineering Apprentice Review
at Airbus
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Filton
Review Submitted: April 2025
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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
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
We complete placements in varying teams around this business, This can range from quality assurance activities, shop floor support or procurement. The placement I am currently in is within Configuration management which has a day to day of leading changes to the aircraft. This includes networking and working with varying departments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my time working within the business. I find that the teams you work within are understanding of the different stresses involved in the apprenticeship and cater your time with them to allow for you to have the time you need and develop the skills knowledge and behaviors as much is possible.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I came into the business straight after secondary school making this my first corporate role. I have found that not only has my technical knowledge about the aircraft and processes has vastly increased but also all of my soft skills. The scheme allows you to really settle into the business in the first year and develop soft skills rapidly within the different departments that you will work within.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I found at the beginning there seemed to be some issues with Weston college and the structure / training plan provided by them. however this was ironed out within a few weeks. The structure from Airbus has been fantastic and shows clear movement towards set goals.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive as much support as I request! I have an early careers manager who is always on hand when I need him as well as a TAO (Target Area Owner) who is within the quality department. This allows me to have support not only from an HR and course perspective but also from within the department I am working in. You will also have a placement manager to hand which will provide any support when needed to do with the placement you are in.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have a meeting with my assessor from college every 5 weeks. This session allows me to receive in depth feedback on work I ma submitting as well as allow me to ask any questions I may have on the college course and work based qualifications. My assessor is always to hand via teams as well.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel that the HNC was a positive course however it did not fit that well into the work I was completing in the business. The HNC developed a lot of knowledge which I now bring in as an alternate perspective when approaching any challenges within the teams as well as developing soft skills like report writing and presentation skills. I just find that the course didn't fit into my day to day tasks as well as I would of preferred.
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 plenty of ERG's (Employee Resource Groups) available which allow you to get involved with activities with likeminded people. These range from the GenA community which is for early careers and social events to cars and coffee or even the sustainability ERG. There is also ERG's for different religions, LGBTQ+ and people with neurodivergence or disabilities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Airbus to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Airbus creates a good working environment with support where needed. There is plenty of training provided by the company for many different knowledge or skills needed around the business. There is a feeling of community around not only Filton site but the entire transnational business.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Airbus?
Airbus can be a very competitive employer to get a job with. My main piece of advice when applying is to be yourself and remember confidence is key. You are applying for that position because you know you will be a good fit to the role. Show the initiative when applying and attending interviews. Have possible previous experiences ready and make sure to research the position you are applying for as well as the company and Airbus' goals and aspirations.
