Here is my work experience diary together with some of the photos from my work experience in July 2022. I also got lots of videos too of some of the things I did. It was an amazing experience where I was able to get involved in a variety of activities. The team were really supportive and great fun as well.
My Work Experience Objectives
- I wanted to learn more about aircraft recylying and how much of the aircraft could be reused. Especially with the focus of environmental recycling
- I also wanted to start to learn more about aircraft maintenance and servicing with the view of a possible career in the future
Health & Safety
I had previously done an introductory Health and Safety certificate which was useful for this. I had also done ground school as part of my pilot training so this helped in this placement.
I had my own steel toe caps but they provided with me a branded hi vis jacket. Unlike most work experience placements we had to be aware of live aircraft, gliders and helicopters using the airfield at all times. There were also forklifts and cranes in use so it was a very busy site. No one else in my year group had quite such an exciting placement and even many of our tutors were just a little jealous and very interested too!
Work Experience Diary
Day 1 & 2: Induction and Packing
Although I was extremely nervous on my first day I was immediately made to feel welcomed. I was shown around, introduced to the team and given a Health & Safety brief. My first day at the airport and in the ASI hanger was really interesting as I was busy packing and processing parts from a commercial plane that were going to be shipped out to a customer.
At first I was sure what I may be able to do however I was lucky to be able to get stuck in straight away. The team in the hanger were all men but they welcomed me completely. There were ladies in the office but I was soon just one of the guys in the team included in breaks and jokes!
Day 3: Engine Runs in a 747 Cargo Plane
One of the pilots took myself and another team member into the 747 and we started up the engines and ran through a range of tests. The video I have on YouTube is really exciting as they explained all of the controls. I had only recently started to learn to fly in a Viking Glider and Grob Tutor so this was especially interesting. I have nearly finished my Level 2 BTEC in Aviation Studies so it was also interesting to relate it to this!
Day 4: 747 Removal of a Cockpit for a Customer
On the Thursday we cut the cockpit of a retired BA plane for a customer. I videoed it for the company to share with the customer. It was quite a technical and interesting activity with all of the team involved. I also have some great video and photos of this.
What was especially interesting and fun after this in the following days was how the national papers and news channels followed its journey up to Manchester on the back of a lorry. I was so incredibity proud to say I was a team member on the day it was removed from the main fuselage!
Day 5: Private Jet Day
On my final day I helped to prepare a plane for a potential buyer. This was a private jet and had previously belonged to a member of the Greek royal family. It was very nice inside and I was able to sit in the pilots seat as well as took a range of photos and video again.
As it was my final day I took in cake and a thank you card for everyone. We also had breakfast purchased for us too by one of the team which was really nice.
Final Review and Future Goals from My Work Experience
I really enjoyed the variety during my work experience with so many different things happening it was really interesting. I think I also fitted in well with the team and I really missed them all when I left. It confirmed my goal and passion of wanting to work in engineering but hopefully especially within avaition as not only a good choice but also an interesting and fun one, even if hard work in many ways!
It was especially interesting discovering the huge variety of parts and materials that could be recycled and just how advanced recycling within the industry actually is. The is a lot of pressure on the avaition sector from environmental groups, governments and even within the industry itself to become more environmetnally friendly, but from what I saw they are already making great strides.
Finally my future career goals are now to become an aircraft engineer either within the RAF or with a civilian organisation. I have my eyes set on a CAA qualification and aircraft maintence course at college so I have a head start when I look at future job opportunities.
