Apprentice Review

I work in manufacturing, this involves various jobs such as tooling, supporting operators and shop floor maintenance to provide adequate work space for operators to work in. I work communicate mostly with internal people not many external and work on most projects in some way or form.

yes, ive learnt a lot of general manufacturing skills and some specific to the company, also part of a programme where we look to develop public speaking skills for example

its okay is probably best summary. It's not amazing I cant say I overly enjoy myself, company culture isn't great not many people have much aspiration or enthusiasm.

I feel part of the team and treated like every other employee, I get given roles and tasks and get recognition when something is done well.

Relatively, the NVQ training isn't very suited to the company and makes projects difficult to find and complete. Support is okay, plenty of people to ask for help with things around the business and most people are approachable. There's some lack of organisation in what departments we should go round and who's responsible for us day to day.

Quite a lot especially when needed. They seem to want the best for us and for us to do well however the issues between how the NVQ fits in with the company can lead to problems in evidence collecting etc. Generally have good support.

A fair bit. Most of it comes from colleagues and especially ex apprentices who know the system and what you should be doing and look out for. Support is there if needed.

Not amazingly well but better than other companies. My commute is relatively long so travel costs are quite high, living costs aren't cheap and a bit extra money would go a long way. Salary has improved annually since start of programme.

Yes, the company does a lot of charity events some outside of work and some social events do get organised. Location often effects the attendance at events.

No

Particularly manufacturing seems to be on a downwards spiral and getting smaller and smaller. The company as a whole appears to have quite a divide between those near the top and those near the bottom. Not a lot of transparency.

Just be honest and yourself, if you try to big yourself up in interview and beyond you'll become unstuck one day. I wish I was told a bit more about where the company was going as its changed ever so much since I started and what my specific roles were going to be. Best advice I would give is probably to find a job somewhere else