Engineering apprentice Review

My role is as a designer engineer in aerospace, at the moment it consists of training on CATIA and other programs which are fit for purpose. Soon I am heading to airbus to work on a project which is mainly apprentice from all around the Filton area. So fair I have only done a small amount and have not had the chance to contribute towards a project as I have been full time at college for the past academic year.

Yeah I have learnt new skills and been able to develop existing skills, the main new skill I have learnt is the use of CATIA. I have since gain and basic understanding and been able to go on and complete my methods training for airbus. I have development existing skill while studying at college, I have gain more technical knowledge and I have also improved my manufacturing skills.

So fair I have enjoyed my program, while at college I have been able to expand my technical knowledge of engineering and been able to improve and learn new hand skills. I have been able to expand on my skills of being able to use machinery such as lathes and mills also including welding but have been able to and hand skills to this area of understanding. The team in which I work in is very friendly and welcomed in to the office.

I feel valued by the company but sometimes forgotten by being under the graduate team. As the graduates often need very different guidance to an apprentice and feel as if we are put to the side as they are unsure and what to do with us next or how to help us progress through our career and I feel that is could do with a little more research.

I feel that my program is not that organised as there are only three years worth of apprentice in my department and the third years we the first to be taken on, that the program is still developing. While studying at college it left very left out as I was in a different town and didn't visit the office very much, while I was in the office I don't feel that I used the time wisely; I think have a plan of what are going to be doing the week you are in the office will allow for more growth and for new skills to be learnt.

I receive a good amount of support from the tutors at the college and they are very accessible, I know where I can find the correct resources and I know where I can do ensure that a problem can be solved. I did find that the course leader was given to much work and was trying to complete to many jobs so when asked if he find information out it was often not or the information would be given to late.

Within work I have a good amount of support but often feel as if you are taken people away from there work if I were to ask for help, so found it difficult to ask within work. My line manger kept in close contact throughout the time I was studying and also informed of the all of the relevant places to go for help and advice. The HR team were very helpful with problem I had and always helped to solve them.

I believe the salary meets my cost okay, but as I live at home still I have a chance to save money although the cost to travel to work is a rather expensive expenditure I have each month. The location has very expensive renting areas so there making it harder to move out but for my first year I believe pay was perfectly adequate for where I was living and studying.

There opportunities outside of work from my company and my training provider. I have been able to take a small study break in Germany where is studied in German school with other apprentices. Through work I have been given the chance to work at airbus for a secondment which will allow me to be able to expand my skill set. Outside of work I take part in Bridgwater carnival where we spend the year fundraising, building and rehearsing to produce a stage and carnival float

Yes

I believe that Atkins do care about their employees and want their employees to have bright futures, they do not want their employees to be given a job when they join and that is their job until they leave and wan to make sure that their employees can build a broad skill set allowing them work in different areas of the company.

I would say that during the application process and interview ensure you talk about what you have done though out school/college/work that be relevant to the job you are looking to apply for, be detailed when talking about past experience and your skills. Ensure that you take all opportunities you can before joining the company and then also ensure you take up every opportunity you can when with the company.