Craft Mechanical Fitter Apprentice Review

Item: Craft Mechanical Fitter Apprentice at Leonardo
Rating: 4.5
Author: Anonymous

at Leonardo

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

Yeovil

Review Submitted: March 2026

Overall Rating

4.5 /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 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.2/5 - 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

My day to day job involves fitting mechanical components to aircraft in manufacture. This can be things like engines and gearboxes, and doing other structural tasks such as riveting and drilling. I have been on a wide range of aircraft platforms all at different stages of manufacture and different contracts, so I have a wide range of experience. I also have experience out on the flight pad, helping aircraft take to the skies as ground crew.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

Working at Leonardo is all I have wanted to do since I was 11. I have gained so much experience and confidence and experience from working with skilled people, and being able to do a job most people leaving school with never be able to do- it is awesome!

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have learned so many new hand skills, and fitting skills over the years, that have made me confident fitter. I have learned riveting, drilling, countersinking, bonding and a host of other skills and went from being fully supervised to being trusted to get on with a task with it being reviewed by a skilled person.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

We have detailed placement plans ensuring we reach a different exposure all different areas and aircraft platforms. We also had college days, where we would go to college and learn about the theory side of our apprenticeship.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

My employer has always been very supportive. With a changing homelife, I was provided with mental health support and various sources of help from my management to ensure that it would not impact my ability to work, and I have always been able to go to my employer and ask any questions I need to.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

3/5

The college provided a moderate amount of support, but I feel communication and expertise from the college could have been improved.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5

I feel that the theory of flight, and gas turbines units have helped a lot with my understanding of aircraft, and have helped with my progression.

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

I have been a part of many different STEM outreach activities, attending many different large stem events and even going to parliament. We also have a social committee that do many different social activities raising money for charity. I have been allowed to network and expand with MPs, High Sheriffs and get my name out there.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Leonardo to a friend?

Yes

Why?

The support, benefits, pay, opportunities and work are all fantastic, and I feel that anyone who works hard can belong at leonardo and make a glowing career.