manufacturing engineer apprentice Review

I work within the high security and safety group of Assa Abloy. I work in the custodial side of the business meaning my day-to-day tasks involve designing/improving our custodial locks, windows and door hardware. I also support production and quality with these products and components.

Before coming to ASSA ABLOY, I had an apprenticeship in IT and was specialised towards technology. My only claim to engineering was a GCSE in DT. Since working here I have developed a wide range of skills and feel more confident to get hands on with projects. I have developed new skills such as fluid power, electrical and mechanical knowledge which has allowed me to develop my own test rig for our locks and make improvements to our products. I still use my technical knowledge to offer a different perspective into problems we encounter as well.

I have enjoyed every aspect of my program and can't wait to move onto the next course. I am looking at doing a HNC and hopefully will go onto do a degree and then further training from there. The difference is night and day compared to previous companies/education I have been in, and I have found my passion in engineering.

I was one of the first to go through a new apprenticeship layout. It has since been improved on and they still regularly ask for feedback and ways in which they can improve. However, due to being the first it was a little difficult to establish endpoints and next steps. I would have liked it to be clearer/more establish but I am appreciative that they listen to feedback and work with me to try and find a pathway to career development.

I receive lots of support from my employer and feel part of the team. My opinion is always valued within the team, and we have lots of opportunities to provide feedback such as employee surveys and PDRs. I feel I can express how I'm feeling in those meetings (both negatives and positives) and problems that I raise often get resolved.

I receive lots of support from In-comm. I spent the first year of my apprenticeship onsite full time where I learnt lots of different skills which I now deploy on a day-to-day basis at work. I then dropped down to a half day release each week where I went to college to learn level 3 material. I meet with my assessor once a month to discuss level 3 progress and ask any questions and set targets. I have also been able to email tutors outside of college time to get answers to questions and refreshers on certain courses.

I wouldn't be able to perform my role without the qualification and training I have received. It has opened my eyes to a broad range of knowledge that I deploy each day to come up with engineering solutions and new designs/ideas.

We often meet up at Christmas and around certain events during the year. I have also been invited to the yearly "Ops review" previously which has allowed me to network with different managers around the business and learn what other people's job roles are.

Yes

I believe it is a good place to work with friendly team members that are very welcoming and help you on your apprentice journey.

You get whatever you put in with apprenticeships. Ask questions and listen to people. Be friendly to those around you and they will be friendly back as most of them started as apprentices as well.