Naved technician apprentice Review

I am an apprentice technician in NAVED (noise and vibration engineering department). My day to day jobs include making cables, repairing electrical equipment and testing.

I have improved my knowledge of electrical and noise and vibration engineering, I have learnt top solder and use new tools so that I can complete jobs on my own. I feel that in the time I have been here though I should have learnt more skills.

I don't really enjoy my apprenticeship as it can be very boring at times when I don't get given any work, I also feel that the quality of the tutoring at the college isn't very good.

I don't feel particularly valued by the company as I don't get the chance to excel and be recognised for doing well so it feels like there isn't much point in trying to perform better than the minimum requirements.

The college part of my apprenticeship is well structured with assignments and deadlines at the end of each module, however, work in the business lacks structure and I never know what I'll be doing from one day to the next. There doesn't seem to be any targets or goals to achieve within a certain time period.

My training provider often works away and doesn't leave me any work to complete which can be very frustrating. When he is here I don't seem to be very high on his list of priorities so it often takes a long time for me to get him to do anything for me or give me work.

There is some support as I have 12 weekly reviews in which they assess how I am getting on but I don't feel that it goes in to much depth and more support could be provided.

The BAE apprenticeship scheme does provide a good salary which I am able to live off with relative ease whilst also putting money into savings monthly.

I have heard that there are some opportunities outside of work but I haven't really been approached about them or received much information.

No

This question entirely depends on which trade you are in as some people really enjoy their job and get plenty of work but the majority (including myself) do find it quite boring with not much work provided.

I would advise people to try and ask around and see if they can talk to people outside of work who work in the trade they are applying for so that they can get an honest opinion on what it's like and what to expect before they apply.