Apprenticeship in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Questions and Answers to help you decide! What is the training that Monarch offers? The training that we are offering is an Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship in Aeronautical Maintenance Engineering. This can be training in either airframe and engines or avionic systems of the aircraft. Note: The specific trade is dependent on the requirements of the Base Maintenance management at the time of recruitment and can vary year on year. How long does the training last? The Apprenticeship is 4 years in duration (subject to performance reviews). What are the entry standards? 1) You will have or expect to have gained four G.C.S.E's, grades A* - C (or equivalent) in Mathematics, English, Science and preferably one practical subject. This is a minimum entry standard and applications are also welcomed from 'A' level student's. 2) Have an interest in engineering and a desire for learning! 3) Good attendance, punctuality and good overall track record in education. Note It is possible to be over-qualified for the position of Apprentice Engineer if you already hold any form of Engineers Licence, or a significant number of EASA Part 66 Modules at either A or B standard. When should I apply? Please monitor our website on a regular basis to look for details on when and how to apply. www.monarchaircraftengineering.com/careers/apprenticeships The application process includes registration, assessment and interview and typically takes place three months before the commencement of the scheme. 1
Can I be too old to apply for the apprenticeship? No. Monarch do not discriminate with regard to age so if you have an interest in engineering and are 16 years or over and hold a valid UK/EU passport with the right to live and work in the UK, then you could be the right person for us. When I apply, I may not know my GCSE results; what should I do? We understand that at the time of application candidates may not have even taken their exams. If this applies to you, and where requested, please just simply inform us of the subjects you will be taking along with your predicted grades. Final selection and appointment may depend upon the applicant proving that they have reached the minimum entry standard as previously submitted. What happens after I apply? ALL applicants will be invited to attend one of our half day theory and practical assessment sessions at the Monarch Aircraft Engineering Training Academy based at London Luton Airport. Each session consists of a theory paper which covers basic Mathematics, Electronics, Engineering Fundamentals and Mechanical Reasoning. Additional to the theory paper, applicants will be required to carry out a practical hand skills assessment; all of which will be assessed by members of the apprenticeship training team. Those applicants reaching a pre-set standard will potentially be invited back for a personal interview and after an extensive review of the candidates assessment and performance at interview a final selection decision will be made. Can I claim expenses when attending either the selection test or interview? Unfortunately we are unable to meet any expenses incurred at anytime or part of the selection process. What training is provided? All apprentices will receive Basic Engineering Hand Skills Training at our purpose built Engineering Training Academy and Workshop. This lasts for approximately 17 weeks and covers the requirements of the City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 (7682) Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations. After the initial hand skills phase, and upon successful completion of the probationary period, the transition to the full apprenticeship will be initiated and you will then be introduced into the maintenance areas of the Company where your training continues for the remainder of the Apprenticeship. 2
How long is the probationary period? The probationary period is currently 6 months. Although interviews and assessments are a useful way of assessing applicants, they cannot fully reveal whether an applicant is suitable for the position. Usually this can only be done by observing the applicant in the role and the performance of all our new starters is reviewed on an on-going and regular basis by managers during this probationary period; regardless of position. It s important to remember that it s not just about assessing whether or not you re right for the job but also about whether the job s right for you and this period will also give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns with the apprenticeship training team. Does the Monarch apprenticeship training cost anything? No. All education and training costs are met by Monarch Aircraft Engineering Limited. You will, however, be responsible for any normal travel to and from your place of work or training. Does Monarch have any experience of Apprentice Training? Yes. Monarch has trained apprentices and placed them into the industry over the last 40 years; some of which are now higher management and directors within the Monarch Group of companies - in fact 2012 saw Monarch train our 700th apprentice. We are also highly regarded by the National Apprenticeship Service and members of the training team currently sit on a number of recognised national Apprenticeship groups and forums. What qualification(s) could I achieve during this apprenticeship? During the first 17 weeks basic hand skills training candidates will gain a City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 (7682) Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations qualification. Upon successful completion of the probationary period trainees will then have the opportunity to complete the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Aeronautical Engineering. This apprenticeship includes the following qualifications: City & Guilds NVQ Level 3 (1789) Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering City & Guilds Level 3 (2675) Diploma On Aircraft Maintenance Category A As part of our commitment to our future engineers to be of the standard required for this industry, all trainees will have the opportunity to gain the EASA Part 66 Category A Licence. 3
What is an EASA Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licence? EASA is an abbreviation, which stands for European Aviation Safety Agency. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issues an EASA Part-66 licence to maintenance engineers who have received instruction in the required knowledge subjects and have passed examinations associated with that course and the respective licence category. Candidates will be required to sit the appropriate examinations and these consist of various modular examinations in multichoice question format, intended to sample the knowledge across the appropriate syllabus and an essay paper to verify the use of written English. The content of the examinations vary both in range and complexity according to the licence category being sought. In addition to the examinations a candidate will require a pre-set period of proven aircraft maintenance experience this experience can be achieved during the apprenticeship. Is the training recognised elsewhere? Yes. The training given plus the qualifications achieved, along with the completed Contract of Training are approved and accepted and recognised within the Aviation Industry. What training follows the initial basic hand skills training? During the remainder of the apprenticeship, the trainee is placed into the hangar environment along with other various departments where they will receive practical based training within Monarch Aircraft Engineering. You will receive practical training on the wide range of advanced modern passenger and cargo aircraft, operated by Monarch Airlines, and our 3 rd party customers. How do I know what to do and what to expect? As a result of one of our previous campaigns, we now invite the successful candidates and guardians to meet the apprenticeship team at one of our facilities. From the positive feedback that we receive every year it is obvious to us that this forum is a much welcomed part of the recruitment process. It provides us with the opportunity to outline the course as well as providing the opportunity for any questions or concerns that the candidates and guardians may need to be answered by the team. This meeting also offers the opportunity for you to meet other candidates who will be joining you on the course. We feel that it is very important that all candidates and guardians are happy and satisfied with all the aspects of what is to effectively be the start of lengthy career in aviation and, for us, we hope one with Monarch Aircraft Engineering. 4
Do Monarch apprentices attend college? Although we do have a partnership with a local college our trainees do not currently attend college. We firmly believe that being able to deliver all the necessary qualifications in house allows us more control over the level, direction and quality of training provided by us to all of our apprentices. All theory and practical related training is carried out in-house at our dedicated Engineering Training Academy & Workshop plus our aircraft maintenance facilities. Applicants who may have already successfully completed some of the units/qualifications that we deliver could earn themselves an exemption but these will be judged on an individual basis at the time. Will Monarch employ an Apprentice when the training is finished? Whilst we would like to employ all of our apprentices it is important that applicants are aware that employment cannot be guaranteed and is subject to whether vacancies are available at the time of graduation. Apprentices are encouraged to apply for any vacancies that exist on completion of the training and are supported by the apprenticeship team on any subsequent application and interview processes for these employment opportunities. When does the course start? Specific details of our apprenticeship schemes, including applications and start dates, can be found on the apprenticeship section of our engineering website. What is the rate of pay? The Company sets pay levels and these rates are reviewed annually. As incremental increases are awarded each year, subject to satisfactory progress; it is hard to give specific details on salaries. We do, however, offer salaries that are above the statutory minimum wage guidelines. What hours will I have to work? The working hours are based on 40 hours per week; typically work commences at 08:00 until approximately 16:30. Hangar maintenance personnel typically work on a 'shift basis, which you may be required to join during the latter stages of training. Overtime may be offered, but it should not be expected and when available should only be beneficial to your training. Do apprentices also have a Contract of Employment? Yes. All apprentices have 'employed' status. A formal Contract of Employment is issued by the company shortly after successful candidates accept our offer of training. 5
What is the Contract of Training? This is the formal Contract of Training, which specifies the terms and conditions, which apply to the apprenticeship. The parties to the Contact of Training are considered to be; the apprentice, his/her legal guardian (if appropriate) and the Company. The contract was formerly known as 'Indentures'. Will I be able to take time off from training? Yes. As apprentices are employees of Monarch Aircraft Engineering they are entitled to annual leave in line with current company policies. The training team does, however, reserve the right to refuse any leave applications if it is felt that it could have a detrimental effect on the training. If this scenario does arise this will be dealt with on an individual basis at the time of the leave application. Are travel expenses paid during the apprenticeship? We do not pay travel expenses during the apprenticeship. However, there is the occasional circumstance where they will be paid and these will be dealt with on an individual basis as and when the need requires. Do I need to purchase tools? Yes; although you will not need tools during the initial training as our fully equipped workshop has everything you will need. There will, however, be a requirement to supply your own tools after the initial 17 week basic hand skills training period*. Monarch has an arrangement with a local tool supplier that offers a very competitive price and we purchase tools on your behalf and then you effectively purchase them from us at the same price. This ensures that you get what you actually need rather than tooling that is very expensive and often not required or suitable. * Please be aware that due to the way our Birmingham facility is operated apprentices who will be based there will not need to purchase tools. Does protective clothing have to be purchased? No. Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd provides all safety clothing and equipment necessary for any task undertaken by its employee's commensurate with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 as well of those of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992. 6
Who can I contact for further information and advice about the training? You can write to: Jay O Brien, Practical Training Coordinator, Monarch Aircraft Engineering Training Academy, Building 136, Prospect Way, London Luton Airport, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 9QH IF YOU ARE INTERESTED AND WANT TO KNOW HOW TO APPLY PLEASE TURN TO THE LAST PAGE OF THIS Q&A BOOKLET I AM REALLY INTERESTED IN APPLYING!! If you meet the entry standards the way to apply is via our company website, www.monarchaircraftengineering.com/careers/apprenticeships If you have any issues with the online application or the website please contact the Human Resources Department using the information below: HR Recruitment Monarch Group Management Ltd Prospect House Prospect Way London Luton Airport Luton Bedfordshire LU2 9NU NB: Please do not send CV s, e-mails or speculative letters as these will not be processed and you may end up disappointed. 7