Apprentice Machinist Review

I'm a machinist apprentice so I move around the different departments including CNC milling, turning and grinding to learn how all of the parts are made.

There have been numerous training courses such as manual handling and abrasive wheel training but most of the learning is done through experience on the shop floor. Other education includes 17 NVQ units, HNC and the possibility for HND after the apprenticeship.

The work is fast paced and very involved which is great because the day seems to go faster! Part of a great team with lots of banter and generally very enjoyable.

The managers I've worked with so far appreciate extra hours worked on weekends and often give recognition, especially when there's an increased workload. Generally, I wouldn't say apprentices I've worked with are treated much different to a full time employee.

Meetings can be arranged easily through the calendar, all NVQ work is structured and monitored by our apprenticeship provider, managers are very understanding and always give help if a problem is raised. Overall very organised.

Training providers always give support and help if I need it. They acknowledge I'm an apprentice and am still learning so if I make a mistake they cut us a bit of slack!

The HR team is very helpful with the organisation of activities. The level of support managers give differ depending on the department, generally very good.

It's a good salary for an apprentice.

Christmas party, summer party when the British GP's on, organised cycling, weekly football and other sporting events, weekly internal newsletter, the drivers came in last year. Many great opportunities, fantastic place to work!

Yes

It's a fantastic and fast paced environment where you learn quickly. It has a good balance of theory and practical experience which you would only get from being in a high-precision environment.

Make sure the course you're on is one of the accepted courses for the application and if you're unsure, email HR. The interview isn't a super-formal interview, they appreciate you're young and approach it as more of an informal chat. Also don't try too hard to impress. By this I mean if there's a certain topic you're unsure of, be honest and say "I'm inexperienced in this area, but I'm willing to learn", don't make something up because let's face it they'll know.