Aeronautical Engineering Apprentice
Location: RAF Valley, Wales
Sector/Business unit: Aviation
My apprenticeship, why I chose it, and why I chose Babcock:
I chose to pursue an apprenticeship because it gives me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while continuing to learn and work towards recognised qualifications. Being able to apply what I learn directly in the workplace has helped me develop practical skills and build confidence from day one, while also earning and gaining valuable industry experience.
I chose Babcock because of its strong reputation within the engineering sector and the opportunities it provides for apprentices. The structured training, support from experienced colleagues, and clear development opportunities really stood out to me. I was also attracted by the chance to work on meaningful projects and learn from people with a wealth of knowledge and experience. I see Babcock as a great place to build my skills and create a strong foundation for a long-term career in engineering.
Another benefit is that I live only 10 minutes from RAF Valley. Having a short commute makes it easier to balance work, study, and my personal life, while also reducing travel time and costs.
My favourite part of the programme:
The opportunity to work in different areas and departments across the site has been one of the best aspects of my apprenticeship. It gives me a real insight into what each team does and how all the different roles fit together. I enjoy seeing first-hand what each job involves, as it helps me discover what I enjoy most and where I might want to specialise in the future. The variety keeps the work interesting and has helped me build a wider understanding of the business.
My most rewarding project/experience:
Receiving my servicing authorisation was a proud moment. Although I only recently achieved it, it allows me to carry out servicing on the Hawk T2 independently, which is a significant milestone in my development and demonstrates the trust that has been placed in me.
Having this servicing authorisation, alongside my see-off/see-in authorisation, allows me to contribute more to the team and take a more active role in day-to-day operations. It is rewarding to see how much I have progressed since starting my apprenticeship.
My work-life balance:
The apprenticeship is structured in a way that makes it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance. As apprentices, we are given our training plans and placements well in advance, which helps us prepare for any changes in shift patterns as we move around different sections of the business.
We also receive 25 days of annual leave each year, which gives us plenty of opportunity to take time off and make the most of our time outside of work.
My development:
Babcock makes it really easy to learn and grow. I’ve got supervisors who are always there to help, explaining things clearly, answering any questions I have, and letting me know how I’m doing so I can keep improving.
Moving around different parts of the site also helps me pick up new skills and understand how everything works. We also have regular catch-ups to make sure we are progressing through the apprenticeship and completing assigned work within the required timescales. If we’re struggling, support is always available to help us stay on track.
