Apprentice Fitter Review

The intial training year consists of spending set amounts of time on various different skillsets. E.g. Fitting, Electrical and CAD. This is ideal as it gave me an idea of which route I'd like to specialise on, enhancing existing skills and teaching me new ones along the way.

Existing hand skills have been developed, for example working to a tight tolerance. Additionally, excellent tutors meant that I've also developed new skills in areas I initially wasn't as interested in. Once stuck in however these were really enjoyable and taught me a lot.

I'm thoroughly enoying my programme, it was well worth moving to the other side of the country for. I've met new people, learned new skills and generally had fun along the way.

As an Apprentice it's easy to feel disposable, however this is not the case at BAE. The care involved in regular reviews ensures that I'm on track & I've no issues. I don't think these would be in place if I wasn't valued. We're often told, "You are the future of this company."

The programme is extremely well planned out, we've always known exactly which section/placement we're moving onto well before we go on it. The transition is smooth, we're given an induction for each and told what we're expected to cover/acheive.

Support from the training providers is well balanced. Help can be had to an extent that the task becomes easier, although not as far as the provider doing more of the work than you.

Support from the employer is excellent. I for instance broke a collarbone and could not work for 3 1/2 weeks. I was covered for sick pay which I'd have had a bit of a problem without.

The very initial package could be argued difficult to live on. However, If you're smart with money, there's no reason you can't. When compared to other Apprenticeship schemes though, the salary package is excellent.

Events such as world skills and foreign exchanges can be attended to, these are great oppertunities. Some employees also hold classes outside of work (e.g. personal training), generally these are advertised on a local noticeboard/socialboard.

Yes

The Apprenticeship is industry leading and can potentially set you up with a successful career for life. I can't think of any reason I wouldn't recommend this apprenticeship to someone. It's also a much smarter path than spending upwards of £30k on University.

Make sure you spend plenty of time on your application and prepare for your interview. The applicaiton is in depth, the company wants to know about you and gauge an idea of how you'd fit into the workforce. The interview is friendly and easy going, although it pays to be clued up on what the company Produces and which areas they're produced from. Get stuck in, don't be shy, everone here is really friendly so get the absolute most out of it you can.