Craft Apprentice Review

I am a craft apprentice. Daily tasks I carry out consist of in general laser assembly and sub assembly. I have constant contact with my team lead who designates priority jobs that need to be completed. I am responsible for taking care when handling very expensive optics and making sure that they are kept spotless.

I have developed my handling skills to a very high level resulting in me being competent at increasingly difficult tasks. I will gain a HNC from my apprenticeship course with the potential to continue my education further.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship programme. I find the work challenging which aids in my development. The team I work with are very professional and skilled workers and mentors. The company as a whole is welcoming and has made me feel comfortable from day one. The programme has exceeded all of my expectations.

As an employee I feel very valued. My opinion and thoughts are heard often and they encourage feedback. They always consider your point of view and attempt to come up with a solution to any problem raised.

From day one the apprenticeship programme has been well organised. The company has kept us well informed with the on going developments of the programme and they ensure that we know what is expected of us if we wish to complete the apprenticeship programme.

Our training provider is supportive with any issues that are raised and the guidance that is provided by them is helpful and intuitive. Over all their attitude is positive.

We receive a lot of support from our employer. I receive immense support from my training manager. Any queries are always addressed quickly. My manager is always available and easy to get a hold of by email or on the phone. He always has time for us.

The salary is a lot more than most modern apprenticeships so I feel lucky. The salary given is more than enough to meet travel, living, daily and social costs.

There are many events held outside of work to gel the apprentices together and make them work effectively as a team. Apprentice nights out, paint ball, helping with the science festival, careers evenings ands talks at schools and general event days.

Yes

It is a great apprenticeship scheme That is very rewarding. It has many positives and is a great way to start off a career as an engineer. The possibilities are endless with Finmeccanica.

The application process can prove challenging to people who are new to job interviews but if successful it is well worth the reward. My advice would be to learn as much as you can about Finmeccanica as a company through the internet or open days and use that knowledge to gain an advantage over other applicants.