Hmmm
 

There are jobs out there, you just cant afford to be fussy.

I am currently doing the mechanical aa course, funny you say that they are sucking people in with lies. Almost all in our class are well aware that aa is just pumping out as many students as possible, no delusions of grandeur here. I can also say that some of the top achievers in our class will have a very difficult time finding work...due to attitude and some other err....traits.

I am older also, 27 and i know this makes it harder...it was hard enough just getting 2 weeks unpaid work exp during my holidays. But i find it strange that you have no contacts in the industry. Half the reason i came to aa was to meet people who were/are in the industry, and it has worked pretty well so far.
If worse comes to worse and i find myself unable to get an apprenticeship or job in my chosen field, then at least my training here can put me in half decent stead for apprenticeships in other industries more in need. But i doubt that will happen.
As for GA operators hating EASA, yes it is true but quite irrelevant seeing as it has been as good as done, with the CASA system being phased out.

whisper
I havee read through all these posts and have a couple of things to say,

firstly whisper you have a lot to learn before you will get into this industry, and you will need to figure it out on your own.

i went to aviation australia in 2006 and only got an apprenticeship after 3 years of trying and not giving up.

how can you say you not what its like in the industry, you know nothing.

My advice to other people out there trying to get an apprenticeship is that
1 Have the Right attitude.
2 Keen to learn
3 Respect people who know what it takes
4 Arrogance will get you nowhere
5 Whingers like WHISPER do not belong in this industry and employers can pick up on that in interviews, or watever you call it.

When you get into the industry, it is a very challenging and rewarding industry and i would like to do anything else.

Job Details

Why not see how you match up to this current vacancy ?


Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice


Ref UKLHR1054
Region UK - Heathrow
Location London - Heathrow
Category

Job Description

Closing Date: 30th September 2011

Engineering Technical Apprentice, Engineering, Heathrow.

This scheme offers a unique opportunity to be involved in a Programme run in conjunction with the three Colleges mentioned below allowing you to study for a vocational qualification combined with the support of British Airways Engineering.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity please view the following College websites for more information and details of how to apply for the Scheme
Farnborough College Farnborough College of Technology - Home tel: 01252 405 555
Kingston College Home - Kingston College tel: 0208 546 2151
Brooklands College Brooklands College | Surrey | Courses | Ashford Weybridge Campuses tel: 01932 797 700
Uxbridge College An Outstanding College | West London | Uxbridge College tel: 01895 475261
Please note you will not be able to apply directly via ba.com/jobs

Requirements

Job Purpose
The principal role of the Engineering Technical Apprentice is to gain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the aircraft mechanics function within British Airways engineering.
The technical apprentice will have interaction across all areas of the engineering department and will assist in ensuring that all maintenance is carried out in compliance with the appropriate regulatory legislation, ensuring that British Airways’ fleet of aircraft are maintained to the highest possible standard.
In addition, the role requires flexibility, enthusiasm, a can-do attitude and the requirement to work effectively within a team whilst successfully completing a comprehensive academic qualification programme.
Job Dimensions
No budgetary control.

Responsibilities

Principal Accountabilities
Responsible for understanding all aspects of the aircraft mechanic role within key production areas of engineering including hangars, workshops, warehousing and logistics areas.
Carry out computer and documentary transactions as required Representing specific area interests at meetings
Successful completion of PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) Level 2
Successful completion of Functional skills modules in mathematics, communications and IT
Successful completion of City and Guilds 2661 and NVQ Level 3
During the role there will be a requirement for an involvement in specific tasks and projects to assist in both the completion of the NVQ but also to support the business.
Specific coaching will be provided throughout the programme to ensure both understanding and competence.
There will also be a requirement to manage and deliver non-engineering projects to develop skills in team building, communications, budgeting and prioritisation.

The Individual

Essential Capabilities

What skills will you be required to bring to the role (Practised capability/behaviour)
Can you demonstrate competent hand skills?
Can you manage and resolve problems?
Are you able to prioritise to meet deadlines?
Do you work effectively in a team?
Can you communicate effectively?
What are the minimum qualifications required (Academic/vocational)
Do you have or are you expected to gain 4 GCSE’s at grade A* to C including English Language, Mathematics and a science or equivalent?
What experiences have you had to support your application (preferred)
Have you undertaken work experience in a technical/engineering/aerospace environment?
What expertise should you possess (Specialist knowledge)

Are you PC literate?
Can you comprehend technical data?
Do you have experience of effective report writing?

[QThus future rises in oil cost will impact their ticket prices hence demand and the size of their fleets. With them being such a large sector this will reduce the size of the world fleet and accelerate the phase-out of older aircraft as the shrinkng number of buyers seek fuel-efficient and maintenance-free new designs.UOTE][/QUOTE]I agree with you Dodo...

some rumors says around here,that AIB may accept,in a mandatory way, a daily check every 48 hours!...(for A320series)
no smoke without fire!...

In that case they will have to be called B'ailys:)

Since this thread was started, it is 180 degrees. Jobs all over the place, and more and more airlines hiring and getting desperate. The pilot and engineer shortage will be accelerating as the years go by....no one getting into aviation, and more and more demand for workers.

cliff
KGRB

About the shortage of aviation workers for the future,my opinion is that ther's gonne be some work...but in what conditions?...

if you read an AMM,you can see that even a monkey can follow the procedure without understanding what he does. Even the part 147 training are like that. just describing,not explaining the system.

we can forecast aircraft maintenance with only a few engineers with type rating stamps,managing some big teams of "nut tighteners" with a low pay.

There's no more big trouble on aircraft nowadays...I remember,even only 15 years ago,flying to NYC or BKK with a bunch of guys for an engine R/I...on B747...

Only the experience allows to gain time in line maintenance;because you know that this or this fault message is a spurious one...or wich system to reset to erase this other one...

Safety Concerns, if "most engineers are prepared to sign off when they shouldn't" I'm sure we'd have far more incidents/accidents than we do now. Lately we've been finding cracks on our fleet of large twin-engined Boeings. The defect has always gone in the tech log and the appropriate action taken. (Including several delays which cost the company several million and for which I take no pride in causing). I speak for myself, perhaps you should also!:rolleyes:

oh yotty you just prove my original point.

[QUOdaily every 48 hours.....well thats something new......nothttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/sr...ies/boohoo.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/sr...ies/boohoo.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/sr...ies/boohoo.gifhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/sr...ies/boohoo.gif

It's been going on for years. The problem with engineers and the reason they will always be treated badly is because they allow it. Every engineer thinks the whole world runs just like it does in their company. IT DOESN'T

There are good places and they are heavily outnumbered by terrible places.

Most engineers are prepared to sign off when they shouldn't. Most engineers will do the dirty on their mates if it involves more money.

Don't bother posting any s**t that the above isn't true because many decades of experience says it is.

Best advice any one can give you is......FIND ANOTHER INDUSTRY TE][/QUOTE]

Safety concerns...I agree with most of what you said.

this is only my point of view!...if new aircrafts needs less maintenance,don't need a mandatory check every 24 hours...MRO's and airliners would need less engineers!..
I was never forced to sign a CRS...never...
A guy with all your experience must know that sometimes,it's a bit borderline,especially when every managers of the station are on you asking "when will it be finished?...what will I do with all the PAX ?"and so on...
I've grounded a few aircrafts...not proud of it,especially when you think about what it costs...but a NOGO is a NOGO.

There lies the problem. It's not about being proud,it's about being safe. If it needed grounding, it needed grounding. There is nothing positive or negative about that, its just a fact.

Qatar UAE
 

Whatever you do DON'T go to work form Qatar Civil Aviation, they will promise you the earth, give you nothing but grief and treat you like camel dung on their shoe......

Agreed! Stand your ground and do the right thing, at the end of the day its your call as the qualified engineer. Hit the nail on the head there SC...

Whissper, have you tried mailing resumes directly to organisations? You'll find they may be considering and apprentice but haven't advertised yet. This industry is funny like that