Help for guys leaving school
Hello guys,
Having reading through a few threads I've come across a few posts on what to do when you leave school and I'm shocked that there Isn't much talk in the way of aviation apprenticeships. I do understand before we start that not as much schemes are being put out with the current climate but that being said in my local area of south Wales, BA are running two separate apprenticeships and a GE one as well and these are all within 40 odd miles of each other.
I do feel very strongly about this as i know exactly how it feel to come from school and have no idea what to do!
Id like to start by giving you and idea with where I'm at, as I believe giving advice without substance is very inappropriate!
I started my 3 year modern apprenticeship with BAMC (British Airways Main Cardiff) 3 years ago with every intention of becoming an airline pilot (BIG THANK YOU to the guys on here who said to plan your flying before you start, best advice I've ever had).
The apprenticeship consisted of One year based in college with exams every week, really tough ask! the next two years on aircraft.
Now I'm 21 years old and just about to finish with a "guaranteed" job. I have zero flying hours and no flying exams under my belt at all.
You may be asking well why does this have relevance to being coming a pilot?
well
I now see my job as a library of flying information, i have an unlimited source of contracts including flight crew, engineers and managers. All working in a big airline. (and i get to play with heavy jets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I'm used to high pressure exam situations which i expect to find with my flying, i have had my job hang on one exam results! not a nice feeling at all i promise you
I have staff travel, I intend to go to the states and do my flying, with my staff i spend more on a night out in Cardiff than i would on a flight.
Most high skilled aviation jobs are well paid. This is more or less self explanatory. To give you a further example I have been on a exchange to GE recently were I met a 22 year old who just finished his apprenticeship and was taking home 30K starting plus all the over time he cared to do.
Opportunity to pick up awards over the 3 years, two to my name during my time. Looks fantastic on my CV next to BA
I can train around the hours I work and I'M ALWAYS IN WORK (this is the big one if you have any sense). When I start and complete my flying I still have a job to fund hours to keep me current if i cant find a job. This also means I can avoid the heavy hit on loans from bank
I do genuinely hope this has help some one, haven't come across in a arrogant manor as I find the rare few do on here (aviation is a touch subject for some) or at the very least been slightly interesting to read as commenting on forums really isn't my thing, and remember
NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK