Technical Apprentice Review

As a technical apprentice I will be spending the next 4 years moving around the different departments within the company. Currently I am in the hardware department working on a project which involves designing and building electronic circuit and programming microcontrollers to control the operation of the circuit.

Since starting my apprenticeship in August I have completed an SVQ level 2 in performing engineering operations which has given me a good understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering as well as developing the basic skills required to work in engineering.

I have really enjoyed the apprenticeship so far, all of the work I have carried out has been enjoyable and interesting and the people I have been working with have all been really nice and willing to help out if you're stuck.

I feel highly valued by Finmeccanica, our apprentice manager is always making sure that we are getting on well in our placements and if you put effort into your work and it is noticed you will be rewarded.

The programme is very well structured, when we first started in august we were on site for 2 days for an induction before going off to college until January. When we returned from college we then had another 2 week induction which gave us a quick overview of what goes on in the different departments and what goes on within the company. Once we were settled into the company we then began our rotational placements which change every 3 months until we go into our final placements in our 4th year. Throughout the 4 years we have a review every 12 weeks where we meet with our apprentice manager and discuss our progress so far and set objectives for the next meeting.

Edinburgh college offers us a great deal of support throughout the course. Our lecturers have always been willing to help us and the moodle system allows us to access all of the course notes as well as providing a lot of supporting documents for when we are writing reports.

We are given a lot of support from the company over the course of the 4 years from our apprentice manager, mentor and department supervisors. We always know what we should be doing and there is no shortage of people we can go to for help if we need it.

The initial pay is more than enough to cover my travel and living costs as well as having money left over at the end of the month. Our salary increases every year which is a good bonus.

There is no shortage of opportunities outside of work, there are events happening all the time that the apprentices can get involved in.

Yes

I would recommend Finmeccancica because the work that we do is at the cutting edge of technology. Over the course of the 3/4 years you will get experience working with latest equipment and the work is diverse so you shouldn't struggle to find something you want to do. Once you know what you want to specialize in the apprenticeship can be tailored to suit your needs which means you have a lot of control over your training.

When you are applying to Finmeccanica the first stage is online assessments followed by an assessment centre. When you are at the assessment centre try to engage in the activities and work with the other applicants during the group exercises.