Apprenticeship FAQs
1. What is an aircraft maintenance apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship enables you to combine work and an accompanying skills development programme. As an apprentice, you’ll gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills needed for an immediate job and future career. Apprentices gain this experience through a wide mix of learning in the workplace, formal ‘off-the-job’ training, and the opportunity to practice new skills in an actual working environment.
2. Who is eligible for the apprenticeship programme?
You must be eligible to live and work in the UK and “have been ordinarily resident in the UK, the British Overseas Territories, or Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for at least the previous three years before the start of the apprenticeship”. You must not be enrolled onto any other Department for Education funded programme.
3. What age can I do an apprenticeship from?
You’ll need to be 16 or over to start the apprenticeship.
4. What GCSE results do I need?
You must have 5 GCSEs (with at least 4 at grades A* – C) including Maths, English and Science. We will ask for copies of your certificates at the beginning of the recruitment process. Please note that some employers may require a higher achievement grade.
5. How long will the apprenticeship take?
An aviation engineering apprenticeship normally takes 2 years however, this can vary depending on the employer.
6. How do I apply for your apprenticeships?
Applications for apprenticeship vacancies need to be made directly with the airline/ operator, as they will ultimately be your employer for the duration of the apprenticeship.
7. Which companies do you work with?
We deliver apprenticeship training to a variety of airlines and operators in the UK, including British Airways, easyJet, Virgin, JMI, Bristow, Airbus, DHL, Oriens, Draken and Babcock. Please visit their websites for all vacancies.
8. Will this apprenticeship help me to become a qualified engineer?
Yes, throughout your apprenticeship you will be employed by an aircraft maintenance department and will gain the experience needed to complete your licence. You will work towards completing your CAT A rotary or fixed wing licence.
9. Do I need to do an apprenticeship to become a qualified engineer?
No, you can study the required modules at your own expense through the CAA or you can complete the modules at college. Once you have completed the non-apprenticeship route, if you’re not in employment, you will need to get a job with an airline to gain your experience. The apprenticeship provides the experience you need to progress in your career.
10. Where will I stay during the apprenticeship?
We do not offer on-site accommodation but we can provide a list of local accommodation providers, on request. Your accommodation will be paid for by your employer for the first 12 months.
11. Will I be paid during the apprenticeship?
Yes, you will be paid an apprenticeship salary from your employer, which varies depending on who you work for.
12. What qualification will I receive after my apprenticeship?
Resource Group provides the regulated delivery of Apprenticeship Standard 1315 for aircraft maintenance engineers. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and passing the End Point Assessment (EPA), you will be awarded a Level 3 Apprenticeship Completion Certificate.
With this certificate and a successful EPA, you become eligible to apply for a UK Part-66 Category A Aircraft Maintenance Licence, subject to approval by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
13. What happens once I’ve finished the apprenticeship programme?
In many cases, apprentices are recruited by their apprenticeship employer to become permanent employees. You can also apply for a role with a different aviation company if you would prefer. Alternatively, you can study our Part 66 modules to work towards becoming a qualified B1 or B2 licenced engineer.
FAQs for Apprenticeship Employers
1. If I employ an apprentice, how long will they be away from the workplace?
An apprentice must complete a minimum of 20% of the training ‘off-the-job’. Apprenticeship training with Resource Group typically involves an 8-month foundation phase at either our Kemble site or one of our deployed training facilities, which more than covers this requirement.
2. How much will training apprentices cost an employer?
As an employer, you are required to cover the wage of an apprentice. However, the apprenticeship programme costs are funded by a government levy which was introduced in 2017. Employers can choose which organisation they would like to train their apprentices; the levy is then paid to the relevant organisation via the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
3. Why do employers choose Resource Training Solutions?
As an industry-embedded training provider, we have delivered apprenticeships for over 10 years and are an integral element of the industry trailblazer working group. In addition to this, we are on the committee of a Professional Engineering Institute and work closely with end point assessment organisations and the UK Regulator (CAA).
4. Where can I find the safeguarding policy?
Click this link to view our safeguarding policy.
5. Is there a whistle-blowing policy available to review?
Click this link to view our whistle-blowing policy.
6. Is there a complaints policy available to review?
Click this link to view our complaints policy.