Apprentice Machinist Review

My role, as a 1st year apprentice, currently requires me to work 4 days a week, one of these being a college day where we study subjects that relate to the job and it's principles surrounding it. The training school where I currently work is a well equipped enviroment, with both friendly staff and peers. I have learnt the basics in many of the trades in the business such as fitting, machining and electronics. Each section lasts about 8 weeks and you rotate around each one where you end up submitting your preference where you will specialise within the company. I'm currently a machinist. Despite not being interested at all in the area, and was not one of my top three choices, I have found that the course structure and trainers are very good, and are making the experience both intuitive and productive.

In the first year, as previously noted, I have experienced each section in the business. I have learnt the basics in most areas such as in fitting; where i learnt how to drill, file a flat, create a radius and rivet all with tools that are somewhat 'primitive' in todays workshop enviroment. and am now learning advanced techniques in CNC Turning and Milling.

Personally, I enjoy the programme as it allows me to test each area before I decide where I want my carreer to head. I took a hit when I was assigned machinist as I really did not want that job title. Now that I have done a couple of weeks on the section, I have learnt different techniques and learnt what the job can actually lead too. I am currently enjoying myself.

I feel valued enough to the extent that I'm not feeling rejected, but sometimes some instructors do have a bias opinion on me before they get to know me. Currently, I feel supported by the managers and instructors as they have shown me a clear path that I can take within the role I have been assigned to where I want to end up.

The programme is structured so that nobody falls behind. If you don't somehow meet requirements, then the instructors are quick to pick up on it and will make you aware. The specialisation selection process, however, is rushed. I confronted the shop floor manager on his decision to assign me as what he had picked, and it was all based off one college test that I didn't score so high on due to an illness. Based off the feedback he gave me, the test was not seen as an anomoly to my other scores and my choice was bypassed due to the low score. As a whole though, the course rotation is well structured.

As previously explained, I have been shown a path to take where i will end up where I want. This is due to the support of the training team, and they have not been hesistant to help me at any point. The staff were very helpful in the early weeks of starting as I had a bumpy start due to living away from home in a local hotel so that I can attend the training school. AFter i had settled in, the trainers helped me pick up confidence and now I feel comfortable staying away from home.

The employer gives us support in many ares from medical, to psychological. There is a nurse that comes in every wednesday where we can ask about any medical concerns we may have, and support for quitting smoking or other addictive tendencies. There a is social support line for every employee which you can call and talk to confidentially and recieve advice.

My salary, being so young, is incredible. I earn, as a basic salary, £15,545 a year. This is then accompanied by £50 a month travel expenses and £400 food allowence a month. It allows me to feed myself, have a good time, and buy anything I could ever want. I'm currently saving my wages for a car, and then hopefully opening a savings account for a mortgage deposit later on down the line. There is a shares scheme where you can buy any amount of shares, and the company will double them shares up to £75. This means in 5 years time I can take the money out and have double the money I put in, dependent on the value of shares later on. Effectively savings account in my eyes.

There aren't so many as of yet, due to the small scale of the training centre. I have noticed a few 'apprentice football team' emails coming through but they aren't pushed that much. Friends wise, we have a very strong connection between us all and we often meet up on weekends to carry out our favourite activites.

Yes

There is so much opportunity, and they are not hesitent to help you in any way with getting to where you want to be. It's great pay and you have a great time doing it. Highly reccommended.

Be confident in yourself, don't put yourself down and ensure you make a good image on yourself when applying. If you get an interview, research the company and again be confident.