Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Review

I am a mechanical engineering apprentice which involves day release at college and four days of working in placements that change every three to six months. Currently I work in a drawing office where I am producing work that will be used by the manufacturing department.

MBDA offer many training experiences. Our first training course is a personal development course in wales that helps us build the confidence etc. for the workplace. I have also been on health and safety, ESD, CAD and ESA courses

I really enjoy my programme as I am treated with respect and given lots of responsibility. I get on really well with my line managers and departments. I have made strong networks with senior management including co directors. Because the intake is quite large, there are many people my age.

At MBDA your line manager gives you lots of responsibility once they know you are capable. I have also received constructive criticism and a lot of praise for things I do correctly. Many colleagues will compliment work they have noticed which also boosts confidence.

Our programme is very well structured. Our first week of employment we are given a site induction and enrolled at college. We study at college for one year then start our placements in the summer. Our placements last three or six months, depending on what area its in. We have one day a week at college. We have a clear structure of our placement movements as well.

My training provider offers great support when I need it. She always makes herself available if a problem arises and aims to resolve it as quickly as possible.

My mentor is very supportive. I have monthly catch up meetings with them to talk about what actions have been made since the last meeting and my aims for the next one.

My salary covers my daily and travel costs however I am unable to move out yet as I can't afford the living costs of the location

There are many charity and educational events that apprentices do on the scheme. Many of these are how I have made connections with senior management. we have a sports and social club that have sports teams and hold day trips and theatre trips.

Yes

I really enjoy my job and I think apprenticeships are a better alternative to university as you do not finish the four years in debt and you actually earn money whilst you're there.

When applying think about why you deserve the job over the hundreds of others that apply. There are only a select number of spaces and you have to stand out and make an impression to earn a place on the scheme.