Woodshop Apprentice Review

As a woodshop apprentice you get to spend time in several different areas within the woodshop. There is about 10 different areas in total, which are covered over a 2 and half year period. Day to day you would be working in a certain area, veneering for example, and either shadowing someone or doing the work yourself once competent.

I have learnt a whole set of new skills as I didnt have any prior experience in the wood/furniture industry. I am now starting to feel confident working in the industry with the skills I have learnt over the last two and a half years. I have also developed my powerpoint and MS word skills through making presentations and writing up NVQ work. By having to present my work I also feel alot more confident in public speaking.

I really enjoy the programme that I am on. I like the company culture and the team of people that I get to work with. I also enjoy college as I am getting to learn new skills which are going to equip me well for the future. The programme has met and exceeeded my expectations.

I do feel very valued by the company. The reason for this feeling is that firstly, we are well paid for apprentice's and secondly the company feels confident to send you to events within the U.K and also abroad. This gives you the feeling that they trust in you and believe you are good enough to do the job and represent the company externally.

The program is well organised and structured. This aspect has improved over the last 12 months, which has been good to see. Prior to the past 12 months the program had the structure, but in certain elements of the course you had to organise yourself as certain people were not aware of where you were meant to be.

We receive alot of support from our training provider. If we wanted to stay late and finish work or complete extra work then 9 times out of 10 we would be allowed to stay and complete this. If we asked for individual support from one of our tutors then they would be happy to arrange a time to provide this support.

We receive as much support from our employer as we need. There is alot of support avaliable through various means. I could look to my manager or HR for support and they would provide this. I would feel very comfortable in approaching my manager if I needed support.

I feel that the salary we receive is very good for an apprentice. It meets my costs and I am able to save some money each month. The package is also a very good package, including optional car scheme, pension etc.

Yes there are quite a few opportunities outside of work. Some of these you will have to put yourself forward for whereas others you will be asked if you would like to/can go. I have been to a couple of local events, and also one event within the Uk and am going to an event abroad at the end of next month.

Yes

Because you get the opportunity to get an apprenticeship with a globally known comapany whilst learning a trade and being paid well to do so. You get the chance to meet and network with loads of new people and also may get to travel abroad whilst on the programme. You are also guaranteed a full time contract after your apprenticeship if you successfully complete your college course and perform well at work.

Prepare well for the interview. Do your research on the company/the role your applying for and also the manufacturing industry as a whole. Don't be worried if you have no previous experience in the role, you are applying for an apprenticeship so you are applying to learn the job role. Emphasise that you want to learn and have a career with the company. If you feel you want to, mention about targeting to work your way up within the company.