Apprentice Review

by Siemens

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

5.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

The first year of Siemens apprenticeship is full time college course that is run by ex forces, power crazed tutors. I did not enjoy college but The following 3 years is based in the factory where you meet loads of new fully qualified people and do placements of 4 months in loads of different areas in the factory. Unfortunately you have to do an nvq. And even more unfortunately you have to do half of that nvq in machining which I had not a lot of interest in so I saw it as a bit of a waste of time. Overall all the people I've met are awesome and most of the jobs I've done have been good but I'm not a big fan of paperwork and coursework.

5/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learned lots of skills in fitting and assembling turbines. Aswell as gaining confidence in talking to new people because of the regularity you change placements

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the jobs I do and the people I work with, but at the end of the day it's a job. I wouldn't be doing it if I was a millionaire.

7/10

4. How valued do you feel by Siemens?

the company is so big it's hard to be noticeable. I'm pretty sure the managers and high up people wouldn't know who I was or know if I didn't turn up tomorrow and it's rare to hear anything useful from HR who supposedly manages the apprenticeship scheme. I feel valued by my immediate team and team leaders as they see how much work I input for them

3/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The college side of things is so poorly organised. We have had 2 tutors that are consistent the other 3 are always off sick or not wanting to teach our classes. The work side of things is very self organised. You have to rely on yourself to introduce yourself to you next placement that you're moving into which is a bit nervy walking into a bay of 50 people with just a name of a manager you'll be working for who probably doesn't even know you're supposed to be working there

4/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Well considering they promised a meeting on how to get into permanent jobs and we have not heard anything in months. I don't think HR give us lots of support without really pestering them

3/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My immediate manager is very supportive. If I ask them to do anything it'll get done but the HR side are quiet

5/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

The salary is fair

8/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There is loads of opportunities for engineering apprentices around.

8/10

9. Would you recommend Siemens to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I would recommend it to a friend and I have done. The money is ok the final job is ok it's just the 4 years of paperwork and nvq evidence collecting that is really bad

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Siemens?

Have really tough skin, don't complain, and just enjoy the banter of the shop floor. Don't go into the offices it looks so boring