Technical apprentice Review

I am a technical apprentice which mainly involves the design stages of what we do in the company. I move around the departments trying out different roles, including CAD, costing and reliability calculations(to work out the most cost effective methods), software and programming and many more. On an average day I will be in a placement in a department, doing tasks to allow me to build my knowledge and ability in the area.

I have learnt lots of practical skills when at college, and am working towards my NVQ and BTEC level 3. I have learnt a lot about the company as well, including what lots of the departments do, many of which I had never even heard of before.

I really enjoy the range of different things which I have been able to learn, everyone is very friendly around the office and will help out if you need help. There are lots of different charity and career events to get involved with as well which I enjoy and which allow for different experiences. It has met up to my expectations very well, exceeding them in some areas.

I feel quite valued within the company, some of the tasks given were small and slightly tedious but I didn't have enough knowledge to be able to complete actual tasks to benefit the company. We have been invited to be involved in many of the external projects such as careers events.

Overall, the programme is very well structured, when beginning a placement there is sometimes disorganisation and not much to do for the first day or so, but it is quickly sorted. There have been a few issues in finding a desk to work at but this is also often sorted quite quickly.

The majority of tutors at college are very supportive, there is always someone to turn to about issues or for more information. The atmosphere is quite friendly and the work is varied and made very enjoyable most of the time.

The apprentice training manager and others on the HR team are very supportive, contacting the college where there are issues and sorting things out. When attending college full time, we were visited roughly once a month and were regularly given information and support. They are all very friendly.

I do not drive and I live at home so I don't have many outgoing costs. My salary more than covers bus fares and other payments with lots of money available for savings and social costs where needed.

There are career and charity events which regularly occur which you can help out at. There are also some discounts which can be got through the company. Flexi time is widely offered, meaning you can work to different hours a day as long as specific timings are met, meaning there is plenty of opportunity to do things outside of work.

Yes

It is a very friendly and interesting business, with lots of different opportunities to move around departments. My experience has been very enjoyable so far as well.

Prepare well for the interview stage, with lots of knowledge about the company, areas you're interested in, and anything you're asked to prepare. Don't panic in any of the tasks, just do and try the best you can, don't worry about any of the other applicants.