Technical Apprentice Review

I am a third year apprentice currently working within my final placement, which will take me to the end of my apprenticeship. The placement is within the Product Support group. I work on test maintenance for external equipment. This includes trips to external sites to calibrate, maintain and repair test equipment, as well as working on any external equipment that is sent back to us on a repair.

I am currently studying an HND in Engineering Systems, which I aim to have completed by June 2017. I have taken part in various internal training courses, such as a Cryogenic Awareness course and a FOD (Foreign Object Debris) awareness course. I have improved my general hands on skills when using tools, as well as my soldering ability and my knowledge of electrical equipment and ability to understand and interpret circuit diagrams.

I enjoy my programme. I find the people I work with are very friendly and are always happy to help when there are gaps in my knowledge. On the whole, my workplace has exceeded my expectations.

I feel valued by Finmeccanica. I always receive recognition from my manager when I've achieved a high standard of work. External customers are also appreciative of the work I put in when working at their site.

The induction to my apprenticeship was well organised and gave me a good idea of the next 4 years. With regards to college, I feel the course is well structured and there is plenty of support available where necessary. With regards to my SVQ, I have regular meetings with my assessor and he gives me good feedback on the logs I complete. As for task delegation within my department, I feel my department value my efforts within the department and gives me work designed to test my abilities.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider both at college and from my assessor at work where necessary. I find that my training providers are always more than happy to assist both myself and others.

I receive support from my manager when it comes to ensuring I keep up with college and SVQ work and get all the necessary support required to do so. Within my department I find that I receive a lot of support with tasks I am performing where necessary. I find that people are more than happy to pass on their knowledge and experience.

I find that I can live comfortably on my current wage. However, I'm yet to find out how tough it would be to survive on my current wage if I were to move out of my family home. I know the apprentice wages have not been changed in several years and could perhaps be reviewed. However, I understand that the apprentice wage is a competitive one against similar apprenticeships.

Most departments have 1 or 2 nights out a year, which are good for bonding with people within your team outwith work. The company hold events such as Ceilidh nights on an annual basis. Through my work I also receive free membership to Edinburgh Leisure.

Yes

I view it as a very rewarding place to work and excellent experience for future aspirations.

Read up on the company extensively. Attend open days in order to decide whether or not it is a place you could see yourself working.