We recently spoke with Aysha Zubair, Avionic Mechanic at Ryanair, about the path she's taken to get to her current role and her advice for those starting their careers in engineering.
What first made you decide to pursue a career in engineering?
A career in engineering is never something I thought I would pursue. When asked what I wanted to do in the future; I would always say medicine. I came across aircraft engineering by chance and thought why not see what it has to offer and whether I would enjoy it. It was a course that I had never heard of, I didn’t know of any aircraft engineers and it wasn’t a regular career option they’d present to you at school. This piqued my interest and I wanted to learn more about engineering, specifically in the aviation industry too. I also came across the course at a point in my life where I was not sure if I wanted to pursue medicine anymore hence the research into different career options.
Are there any role models or mentors who have helped you in your career?
In an industry like aviation engineering, I am constantly learning from everyone I meet, no matter who they are or what their career journey has been like; I definitely have taken a note every time someone has shared their knowledge with me. In my current position I can say there are a few people who I feel I look up to and hope someday I can live up to their expectations if not more. For all the time and knowledge they have been willing to share with me, I am greatly appreciative of the engineers I am learning from.
Could you outline the path that your career has taken so far?
I started with completing my Part 66. Modules with KLM UK technical college. I pursued the B2 route and I have obtained all my modules. I then started working with Ryanair on their Junior Aircraft Engineering programme. This included 10 weeks of technical training whilst working on both hangar and line based environments to gain experience on commercial aircraft. I have now finished the Junior Aircraft Engineer course and have been promoted to a mechanic position within the company.
You recently started a new role at Ryanair as an Avionics Mechanic, congratulations! Could you describe the main responsibilities of your role?
The main responsibilities of my role would be to take part and carry out scheduled and unscheduled avionics related jobs. I am able to assist Avionic Engineers in troubleshooting whilst being able to navigate my way through appropriate manuals to carry out the job. In addition, assisting flight crew with any issues that may occur. Furthermore, general servicing of aircraft, carrying out inspections pre flight and after, ensuring the aircraft is always airworthy.
What are you most looking forward to experiencing in your new job?
In this new role I’m looking forward to having more responsibility and hopefully building on my knowledge, especially when it comes to fault finding. I am looking forward to learning more.
What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
In this industry I am constantly learning and I think that is what I enjoy the most. There is always something new and with the different types of aircraft about I’m sure I will be constantly learning.
What has been the most challenging part of your career so far?
The most challenging part for me personally has been my confidence. With Ryanair being such a fast paced environment to learn in I have found over the two years I have become more confident and have learned to not second guess my self. My colleagues have also helped with this as many of them are willing to teach and guide you through the learning process which I am very appreciative of.
Do you have any specific career goals that you are working towards?
I am currently working toward my B2 Part.66 Engineers licence.
What advice would you give to any aspiring engineers out there who are planning their first career steps?
I would say it’s a long road but stick with it. There will be many times you may want to give up but it’s being resilient that will get you through those exams and also staying on top of it. Get all the experience you can in aircraft maintenance engineering jobs and ask lots of questions. Last thing I would say is be proactive, no one is going to help you unless you ask for the help.
