Technical Apprentice Review

Techincal Apprentice - (3 month rotational placements) - Systems Daily tasks will vary from office to practical etc when moving through departments. Within systems however I work in an office with many other people. I handle raw radar data and using software solutions convert it into useable data that people can understand and use to solve problems. I also work with GRF functions. Responsibilities I am often given tasks to complete within some deadline such as prodcuing graphs from flight trials to show radar performance etc. Whole range of tasks depending on how busy the department is and sometimes working with other team members to shadow their work. Bring a positive attitude!

Achieved PEO (SVQ - 2) Completing a HND in Engineering Systems over the 4 years. Complete a whole range of training courses such as pressure awareness, rf safety, QA and pretty and much more. Learn how to integrate into multicultural teams in almost any envinronment whilst creating lasting friendships.

The work is pretty enjoyable as the people you work with try to give you a nice variety of tasks. This keeps you learning new things and doing something you never have before. The culture around the company is excellent as everyone is very friendly and polite. From the first day you start you are treated with the same respect as people who have worked there for 30+years. You can tell the people here beleive in you and want you to succeed. Very enjoyable programme.

Alot of managers and high up people around here are quick to tell you that they came through the apprenticeship scheme and that you can follow in their footsteps. People really value your input and often if you mention something small it will suprise you how often they follow up on it and get back to you with some feedback.

The induction is very thorough and goes over just about everything that you need to know. Mostly however it just familiarises you with the people and the ethos of the company. Everyone around the company is very eager to provide help and most of the time all you have to do is ask a question. Departments mainly decide on how structured they wish to be as some are very regimented and have set deadlines that you will work to. Others work in a much more reactive manor due to the nature of the work. This helps you get used to the real envionment of engineering where the dynamic changes all the time.

Training providers out with work are very capable people who are very willing to provide help in any areas you are struggling with. Support is readily offered an dinformation regaring this is very easily accessible via the internet.

Support from the company is most likely the best feature of the apprenticeship. Absolutely everyone I have met so far is prepared to help and often they give you their number and tell you to phone them if you need anything. Even if it isnt the persons job to help you, often they provide assistance. For instance I had to sign for a secured drive and sent it to patrick in the security dpt. Although that is not patricks area of work within an hour I had an email from Rick Parris (the correct security administrator) asking me to come sign for the device as the other details had already been completed. Excellent support and very well structured support team to help with issues related to work, personal life or any other issues.

I am very happy with my salary package which increases every year of the programme. Overall its one of the best I could hope for. The location is very easy to get to being in Edinburgh.

Huge amount of opportunities outside of work and it is really up to you how much you want to get involved. There are often company meetings and presentations about certain products which help to understand how they work etc. There are also a huge range of leisure groups such as five-aside football, badminton etc. The company is also usually involved in giving days out to the community such as science festivals or work experience.

Yes

It is a very enjoyable place to work and already I have made several friends who I get along with very well. The wage is very good compared to other similar programmes and the particular sector of engineering is very secure. The high-level of training is also an excellent way to broaden your horizons and gain very highly skilled capabilities.

During the application process answer the questions the way that you think they should be answered, don't just follow your friends interpretation. The interview is in my opinion the most important stage and come prepared. The people are very nice and will not try to trip you up but come with basic knowledge about the company and the products it produces. Try and show your enthusiasm through your answers as the company is very eager to find people who want to work here and want to succeed in engineering. Showing that you can excel within a team environment and having the intuition to overcome bumps in the road are key points to show the company you can work here.