Junior Engineer Review

From day to day I'm involved in a variety of tasks like preparation of technical documentation, drawings as well as management of some smaller design packages. Coordination with colleagues and working alongside experienced members of the team to provide design.

Its been a positive learning experience I pick up new skills or develop skills every day. A big part is communication that is a basis for a lot other skills required for the workplace. I have had experience working with design software as well as more technical aspects of detailed design.

I really enjoy my job most weeks I find that I have a lot of difficulty in terms of balancing the energy required when it comes to the additional paperwork for my apprenticeship, the term time uni work- that universities often don't take into account the extent of the work they're asking you to complete and running a full time job on top of that. I'm busy and enjoy it most weeks but sometimes it is tough.

I think that the program is fairly well structured I have more issues from the education provider, I find that they can be difficult to get in contact with but in terms of the organisation from members within my company I'm pleased with my experience.

My employer are very supportive and look to push me to gain the experience that I need. They provide me with the technical development I require and generally make my job a really pleasant experience on the day to day. I have time invested in me and they look to make me into a better engineer.

The training provider although can be supportive in some capacities a lot of the teaching staff do not know that most of us are working within industry. They have the expectation that we will fulfil similar hours to full-time students but thats not the case. Communication with them can be slow and sometimes difficult and they have an expectation that we complete a large body of paperwork that I don't think actually provides any level of benefit to me as usually goal setting is done internally. I think that there should be more consideration that we are completing a degree on top of a full time job and it should be respected as such.

I think that a lot of the modules within the course do not have any significant bearing on my day to day job. They often cover things in too little detail or go into the basic fundamentals of engineering that isn't typically used. I sort of see that the degree is a formality to achieving chartership than anything of any real value. The degree just supports the experience that you garner through the apprenticeship rather than the other way around.

Team building is a big part of my role. We have a lot of junior staff with regular socials arranged we also have a specific forum for the apprentices. Theres a lot of effort put in to make social gatherings possible.

Yes

Its a really great environment, the senior staff are really helpful and do want to see the next generation of engineers developed. They are willing to listen and answer questions and point you in the right direction. There's always discussions about how to move into achieving chartership and how you can fill the gaps in your experience. I feel welcomed and appreciated as an engineer I enjoy working around my colleagues and feel that as an employer they're supportive of fighting my corner to get what I need from my training provider.

Show a keen interest in being able to develop yourself further. Ask questions and display good problem solving skills.