Mechanical Engineer Review

Apprentice Mechanical Engineer (craft). Either running CNC machines to produce precision components for small gas turbines. Or accurately fitting the different parts of the turbines together. I have conversations with the manager, team leaders and my colleagues daily in person, to discuss how I am finding my placement and if there is any way in which it can be improved. Once a week I attend Lincoln College to study my BTEC Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacture); this requires me to deal with external people who work for Lincoln College (e.g. Tutors). At work I am responsible for ensuring that I follow the correct engineering processes in a safe and efficient manner to ensure whatever work I am set is completed; I am responsible for any tooling or protective equipment I am issued during my time. My current project is to design a new fixture for machining the MW10000 casing at Teal Park; the current fixture is too heavy for their forklift to transport when the casing is attached to it, the new fixture must perform the same job but weigh less than 2.5 tonnes when it has the casing attached. In my current placement I am in Core Assembly, so day to day I am working on assembling the small gas turbines for testing.

Qualifications I have gained: - PEO level 2 in Mechanical Engineering (manufacture - Training in my employment rights and responsibilities - Functional skills IT - Manual Handling training - Health and safety training (IOSHH) - Pedestrian stacker training - Pendant crane training Skills I have gained: - Assembling and testing gas/ liquid burners - Programming and running CNC horizontal boring machines - Assembling small gas turbines I have learnt: - How to use hand tools effectively - How to safely programme and run CNC machines - How to safely move loads both by hand and using mechanical aids - How to communicate via email and manage my working hours

I enjoy work a lot as we get to use a lot of different technologies as well as develop new skills. The people are also very good to work with and the general attitude at work is good. It meets all the expectations I had of it.

I feel like a valued member of the team, and equal to the fully trained employees. I get asked to be involved in plenty of different jobs.

The whole programme is very well organised; I had 2 weeks of induction into the company, followed by a week of induction into Lincoln college. Our contract of employment was very detailed and came with an explanation book of how to do day to day admin tasks and where things are located. I received an 'apprenticeship handbook' which helps me understand what the NVQ requires of me and how to layout and reference all of my work. The pay rise system was well explained to us and we are all fully aware of what's required for us to achieve a pay rise.

What tutors we have provide a good standard of learning. However there is a lack of staff required to cover certain fields that we require.

All round I receive good support from my employer.

My salary meets all costs I am required to pay and I have a good amount of disposable income left over.

We receive emails of any outside of work events coming up and we can volunteer to do them, which sometimes earns you a reward.

Yes

Siemens is a good company to work for as it takes care of it's staff. They consistently invest in new technologies which brings opportunities for further training and experience as well as prolonging the companies existence. Job security is good and there is plenty of chance for progression.

Ensure you get some work experience in engineering as they will ask you engineering related questions in your interview. Don't put anything in your application what you haven't done or don't know about because you will be asked about all elements of your application. Ensure you show up in a presentable fashion and on time with the right attitude. Research what opportunities the company has to offer e.g. out working, a lot of young people talk about wanting to do this and Siemens does offer it; but make sure you know what is meant by it.