QANTAS Engineering Apprenticeship

[LJones]

hey guys,
i am applying for the 2008 QANTAS aircraft engineering apprenticeship. I see that it says you need good eyesight, how good must you eyesight be?

Also, has any one experienced this apprenticeship and if so could you shed some light on the lifestyle.

Thanks in advance.

[mitzy69]

might need to pass a colour test of eyes for ramp driving licence. seen colour vision a requirement for some positions for engineers.

[Short_Circuit]

I am told a colour blindness test will be done, hearing also. Life is good but at end of 4 years you have to apply for any possible vacancy, it is not automatic.

[Long Bay Mauler]

You will have to do a colour blindness test,thats for all applicants,but if you are applying for a Mechanical apprenticeship,it will not matter if you colour blind,as it is a requirement for Avionic Engineers to be able to differentiate different coloured wiring,etc.

So unless you wear Coke bottles,and cant see past the end of your nose,you will be ok.It is just a medical requirement thats all.There are plenty of Engineers(and pilots) who wear glasses.It is just a fact of life.

[LJones]

thanks

cheers guys. im applying for mechanical... would like to work on engines...

[LJones]

also, i live in perth atm so would i expect to have to go elsewhere for an intervoew. and also would you say that it is worth me going to melbourne and rent using the mere wage you get? PS im only 18 :P

[Long Bay Mauler]

As an apprentice,you can always share a flat with other apprentices or even live in a boarding house.It would only be for a year or so,as your wage gradually gets better over time.Plenty of other apprentices have done it,and today they are reaping the rewards of those few hard years at the start.

[employes perspective]

don't bother,you are wasting 4 yrs of your life,go do an apprenticeship in the building trade,at Qantas you will be one of the lowest paid tradesmen in the country and there is no career progression any more,HEED MY WARNING

[NAS1801]

I second that. I work with guys that have had 30 years experience on aircraft and their sons work in the building trades earning more money! Also, last time I looked, all wired on a Qantas planes are white....

['aveagoodknight]

would like to work on engines

I think you might be on the grease gun for a bit before getting let near an engine.

But don't worry, you'll eventually make it.

[mavrik1]

Hello I started QF AME Mech apprenticeship in 1999 in Mel, If you live in Perth, it is a big decision to come all the way over here, for the money they will pay you.
The training you get from Qantas is just OK. Its easier and better to do the apprenticeship with an Airline than GA, unless its with a company with a lot of cash i,e crown casino or something like that.
If you really want to go ahead with it you will have to tick the box that says AME not AM.
If you tick the box thats says Aircraft Mechanic instead of Aircraft Maintenance Engineer you have ridden your career off.
Once you start the apprenticeship you will find that the moral of the people will be at rock bottom and will find the place not a real enjoyable to work.
QF these days treat there staff very badly. Once you finish the apprenticeship you then will be able to leave and work overseas or for a company that will pay you and treat you a little better.
The job is good, but rewards are not there as they were back in the good old days, so you have to love the jet.
You will also find your mates that are plumbers and sparkys will be earning a lot more than you, will have less responabilty and not working long hours and night shift which is the future of aviation.
Other airlines are available to work for in australia after you finish your apprenticeship and there is a major shortage of engineers in the world, so there is no shortage of work. The main reason for this is that no one is training, so I have to give to Qantas for at least doing that.
The other option is Emirates in dubai are now doin full apprenticeships and are invite young Aussies to join, that comes with the rewards, if you would like to go O/S but you will be required to live in Dubai.
In my opinion I like working on aircraft but would seriously advise people against starting the QANTAS ENGINERING apprenticeship program.

P.S Don't worry about having bad eyes, it helps to have good eyes but will not stop you from getting a apprenticeship.
And yes they will let you work on engines staight away and you will be required to daily under supervision during apprenticeship.

[undergorund_flava]

?

hey guys
im 16 i live in ,melbourne and im in yr 10 i am applieing for a qantas mechanical engineer apprenticeship for 2008,
does anone think this is a good idea or a bad idea?
and on the application it has, maintenance stream or overhaul stream ??
wats the difference and wich one is best reccomend i put down?

help would be much appreaciated
thanx

[Long Bay Mauler]

Flava

Head for Maintenance Stream,unless you want to work in a sheltered workshop.Plus I would say go for it,because you will be still young enough to start another career if QF doesn't impress you enough to hang around after four years.

Below is the trade your after,thats unless you want to be better paid,then I would suggest you apply for the Avionics AME apprenticeship.

2. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Mechanical

Maintains, inspects and undertakes troubleshooting of the following:

• Aircraft Engine Systems
• Aircraft Structures
• Landing Gears, Wheels and Brakes Systems
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
• Flight Control Systems
• Environment Control Systems

[mavrik1]

Correct bugs, Maintenance stream is (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer),
Overhaul is (Aircraft Mechanic) and you don't want to go there.
To become Licenced engineer in the future it is much easier through the AME stream, QF try's to close doors for AM's from getting ahead.
And yes the future is Avionics if you can get head around it!
Check out the Emirates Web site about what they have to offer. For a 18 year old, it will be an experience, they will look after you financially, but they will give you a run for money and be prepared for major culture shock.

[mavrik1]

Please read this thread: Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Shortage.
I hate putting of young guys who want to follow there dreams and I personally hate people who tell people they can't achieve something.
But guys I have been there and you need to know the facts before making choices. Try and do work experience first.

[undergorund_flava]

how much does a aircraft maintenance engineer get paid?
and is it easy to get a job after the apprenticeship?

[employes perspective]

james russel what world do you live in,try 35k p/a once your an ame,and then it goes up very slow

[mavrik1]

Probably come out of your 4 years in QF on 42-52K with all OT and shift, depends where you are placed and so on!

[ottinator]

employees perspective
how you said pay rates are fairly low i was wondering if they'd go up from the predicted shortage and if the discounts are worth the work?

[employes perspective]

no they will not be going up any time soon if ever,they are dumping down the trade world wide,and as for the discounts get a real pay job and you will be able to pay full fair and get on the flights,DO ANOTHER TRADE THAT PAYS WELL