Apprentice Aircraft Engine Mechanic Review
at GT Engine Services
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Stansted
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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:
5/5
As an apprentice, I have the opportunity to learn how to maintain and repair aircraft engines. We are paired with experienced mentors, mechanics and technicians, who guide us through various tasks, allowing us to shadow them while gaining hands-on experience with the engine's components and their functions. One of the aspects I enjoy most about my role is how every day is different and there are new challenges to face. However, every morning, we check in with our learning coordinator to ensure we have tasks assigned and to keep him informed of our progress.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I look forward to coming to work every day because every day is different, and I enjoy the variety that it brings. The team I work with is incredibly supportive, always ready to assist with any jobs I'm doing or answer any questions I have. As a woman entering the engineering field, I was initially nervous about stepping into a male-dominated industry, but I’ve been welcomed and treated with the same respect as my male colleagues, with equal opportunities for growth and development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have gained hands-on experience with various engine components, performed maintenance, and carried out repairs. I've also improved my problem-solving abilities by working out the best way to remove or install components. Being able to work closely with experienced technicians has allowed me to learn specialized techniques and become competent in using tools and equipment specific to the aviation industry. As well as developing my skills at work, I feel I have developed more confidence in myself and my abilities as I am performing tasks which I never thought I could be capable of doing.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Once a week, we attend Stansted Airport College to focus on the theory aspects of our training and prepare for our exams. At work, we have a learning coordinator who ensures we receive the best support. Each week, he reviews what we've learned at college to ensure we fully understand the topics and gives us the opportunity to ask questions. Because he has extensive experience in the aviation industry, he uses the engines in the workshop to help us visualize concepts, making it easier for us to understand and retain the information.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I feel I receive a lot of support at work as everyone is always happy to answer my questions or help me with a task. They are always happy for me to revise and go through my college work and are always encouraging me to do well in upcoming exams.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Our learning coordinator is always happy to review any concepts we may not have fully understood from college. We have a dedicated day to go over our college notes, allowing us to go into detail about specific topics and preview the material for the following week. This helps us stay on top of our coursework and ensures we’re consistently prepared.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
With the support of our learning coordinator and mentors, I feel I'm being guided to become a better apprentice and, eventually, a mechanic. I receive the right level of support, as I’m given tasks that match my abilities, along with new tasks that push me outside my comfort zone. Whenever I face something unfamiliar, there is always someone available to guide me and ensure I’m doing it correctly.
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
Every three months, our workplace organizes a "Meet and Eat", where food is provided, offering a chance to relax, have fun, and connect with colleagues. Each event is hosted by a different department. For example, at the last "Meet and Eat" the office staff arranged a "speed dating" style activity, where we had two minutes to ask each person questions before switching to someone else. At the next event, the workshop team will be hosting a quiz, with a £2 entry fee per person. The winning team will have the opportunity to donate the money to a charity of their choice. Each year, we participate in a fundraising event for various charities. Two years ago, a group cycled from our workplace to Paris, raising over £10,000 for the charity Mind. This year, we will be taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend GT Engine Services to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company has a fantastic atmosphere, with everyone always being friendly, kind and supportive. I recommended someone to join here, and they've been here for over a year now. They also love the company and its family-like feel, and they have no plans to leave in the future.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GT Engine Services?
I would encourage you to ask questions, as there are no silly questions, and everyone is always happy to help. Most importantly, I would say to have fun and make the most of your time working here. This apprenticeship is a place where you can grow both professionally and personally, so I would encourage anyone to make the most of it.
