A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF AN APPRENTICE: GEMMA AT RUSHLIFT GSE

Across the business, apprentices are gaining hands-on experience on some of the most complex ground support equipment, learning from experienced mentors and playing a real role in keeping airport operations moving safely and efficiently.

One of those apprentices is Gemma, whose recent work on a Trepel Champ 70 perfectly captures what a “week in the life” at Rushlift GSE can look like.

Working alongside her mentor Steve, Gemma was tasked with investigating a Trepel Champ 70 that was presenting faults across all hydraulic functions.

The first stage was systematic fault finding. Main and secondary pressure checks were carried out, but results showed that the hydraulic pump was not delivering the correct pressures, either at engine tick-over or when revving. Further investigation revealed that adjustments at the pump had no effect, strongly suggesting internal pump faults.

With guidance and support from Steve, Gemma helped to fit a new pump conversion kit. Once installed, hydraulic pressures were restored to their correct levels, a key milestone in the repair. But the job didn’t stop here.

A full function test identified that valves and speed control relays all required adjustment to ensure the machine operated correctly. During this process, it also became clear that engine power limits were restricting the final set-up. Once engine repairs were completed, the valves and function speeds were correctly set and the machine was returned to full operation.

The result? A Trepel Champ 70 functioning exactly as it should and an apprentice who had been involved in every stage of diagnostics, repair, testing and final set-up.

This Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to celebrate Gemma and all our apprentices, as well as Steve and other mentors across Rushlift GSE. Their dedication, teamwork and willingness to learn every day are what keep our customers moving, and our industry moving forward.