A shift in career paths

I have been working at Airbus for a total of six weeks – two weeks in training and four weeks working on the shopfloor!

Before joining Airbus, I ran a cleaning and handy woman business for the last five years. Prior to that, I was an assistant manager at a well-known UK mass market jewellery chain store for 27 years.

Transferrable skills

When I heard Guidant were hiring Aircraft Fitters for Airbus, I jumped at the opportunity – Airbus seemed like a great company to work for and this sounded like an interesting role. I was always a hands-on person and my last role introduced me to lots of skills I could transfer over into my current role.

Reservations about working in a manufacturing environment as a female employee

I feel right at home with the rest of my team and there isn’t anything I can’t do that my other teammates can.

I am partnered up with various experienced members of the team so I can carry out on-the-job training and learn how to perform different tasks. A Primary Operator or Inspector checks on our work at the end of every shift to ensure it’s been carried out to the required high standard.

The whole job from start to finish is interesting and rewarding

Before joining Airbus, I would have never fully appreciated the intricate amount of work that goes into bolting aircraft wings together nor understood how important every part of the process is.

Day to day, your job as an Aircraft Fitter can vary – from applying cleaning sealant on wing skins to fitting bolts on to wing skins. Through it all, we make sure it's always done safely and following the correct standard.

Be part of a great team

Rest assured you’ll be joining an experienced team where everyone is ready to help and train you. I feel so lucky to be part of the team and anyone thinking of joining will be supported with all the necessary training to do a great job. Here are some skills you’ll need to excel at this role:

· Great people skills – you’ll be working as part of a team

· Hand skills – you’ll be using a variety of hand tools to get jobs done

· Being able to read and follow instructions well

· Be open to learning new skills

· Work safely and follow safety rules in the factory

Working in a manufacturing and engineering environment may seem intimidating but…

Don't think you haven't got the skills – you will be surprised by how much you can do. I truly enjoy my new position at Airbus from start to finish and feel so lucky and proud to be working with a great team and for a great company!