APEP Degree Apprentice Review

I am in simulation in CAE and I carry out projects where I will be given CAD parts and then run a simulation with them to find out how the part reacts under certain loads.

I have learnt many new skills within the CAE world from work but the majority of the engineering skills that I have learnt have come from the university course.

I enjoy the university side of the programme apart from the exams and how close together some of the exams can be. I also enjoy some of the work based side of the programme but i feel somewhat disconnected as the whole team work remotely and i am sort of left to my own devices.

The university side is very well structured but it can be quite taxing sometimes as some modules and exams are very content heavy and must be studied simultaneously. The work side is not very well structured in my experience, my manager did not seem to know what I was doing or what was needed of him and it meant a lot of time spent doing nothing productive waiting to be told what to do.

I receive some support from my team when i ask for help with my studies and also when i ask for help with my work but only ever when I ask for it which can be good but it can also feel like everyone is very busy and too busy to help me out which i respect but it can be quite isolating sometimes.

A lot, the lecturers are always responsive when they are messaged and they provide very useful support.

I feel as though it helps me a lot as many of the same topics are covered n both university and work.

There are, and I have gotten involved in some of them and they are good fun and well ran.

Yes

I think this course is a great opportunity for any young person as it sets ou up with qualifications and a salary

You must be self motivated and not be requiring validation regularly. Really try to do as much as you can within your role and allocate ample time to complete university work to a good standard.