INTRODUCING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEER: APPRENTICES’ Q&A  

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2021, apprentices George Feeney [aged 20] and Luke McMurtry [aged 19], tell us more about their experience so far and what their apprenticeship means to them.  

How did you hear about the 2EE apprenticeship scheme?  

George: “I heard about the scheme through work experience that I undertook at 2Excel Engineering back in October of 2017.” 

Luke: “I was at Monarch Aircraft Engineering when the company went into administration and came across 2Excel when I was researching other MROs. I also have family that work at 2Excel.” 

Why are you interested in aviation engineering? 

George: “My interest comes from my Grandfather who worked at Lasham for just under 40 years.” 

Luke: “I love a challenge and having the responsibility of getting a hard task and figuring out all the possible ways to complete it.” 

What was the most interesting task you have undertaken during your apprenticeship? 

George: “I would say completing Avionics Modifications on 2Excel Aviation’s Boeing 727 oil spill response aircraft. It was both challenging and fun to do. Working on B727’s at Lasham has massively helped my development as a mechanic and has also helped me appreciate the systems within older aircraft.” 

Luke: “Structure work interests me but one of the more interesting tasks I completed was removing the fan blades off a Boeing 757 and restructuring the acoustic drum surrounding the fan blades. I did a lot of research through the AMM, AIPC and SRM to figure out all the tolerances and found out some great facts about the balance and method of manufacture of the blades and engine components.” 

Have you enjoyed your time at 2Excel Engineering? If so, why? 

George: “Yes, I have developed many skills and have made good friends here and I look forward to coming into work each week.” 

Luke: “Yes, I have. I have only been at 2Excel for a year, but I have been put on a range of tasks. Some are complex and time-consuming and some a lot easier but there is always work to do. Building strong relationships with the technicians and mechanics have made my time here much more enjoyable. If you remain interested and communicate clear to all colleagues, then the trust between one another stays consistent.” 

What have been your main highlights during your time at 2EE? 

George: “My highlight would have to be the people that I have got the chance to work with as well as the opportunity to work on aircraft and complete jobs that you wouldn’t get anywhere else.” 

Luke: “At the start of my time here, our colleagues and mentors would allow us to experience the fire crew procedure where you prepare for the arrival of an aircraft. You get a safe but close-up encounter of the landing, whereas at other companies, you don’t always have this privilege. I’ve also been trusted to do intricate tasks and that personal responsibility is a highlight for me.” 

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? 

George: “In five years’ time, I aim to progress my career specifically by working towards my B2 licence.” 

Luke: “I see myself with a full B1 technician licence and on a few aircraft types leading a team of mechanics and apprentices alongside other technicians. I’m a natural leader and have a passion for aviation which means I will excel and push myself. I love diving into the unknown and that happens daily within aviation. Having the technician responsibility is a very trustworthy role and dedication will help me be the best leader I can be. In the future, I hope to have a significant role within 2Excel and work my way up.” 

Who is your biggest inspiration? Who do you look up to? 

George: “My biggest inspiration is my grandfather, growing up with his stories of his time at Lasham truly inspired me and helped me make the decision to follow a career in aviation.” 

Luke: “I look up to my parents as no matter how hard times got, they always seemed to stay calm and content, never crumbling under pressure. Becoming a technician shows all those qualities and traits that I have adopted and adapted to suit my role within aviation. I have the upmost respect for my parents and I will pass that on to my peers.”