Rating

7.7/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I test sub systems to ensure they are fit for use with regards to the working instruction written by test engineering. Mostly I run a test site which has a unit fitted to it, depending upon the stage of the build what I actually do changes every day. I also now work with apprentices showing them what I do now that I'm fully qualified.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • During my apprenticeship I was constantly challenged and taught new jobs and/or skills. I was taught about public speaking and how to be more confident not just when speaking but when carrying out tasks day to day. I also went to college learning all I could about electronics and engineering.

    7/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • The scheme was enjoyable most of the time. I started straight from school so there was a lot more for me to learn than someone who had spent time in a work environment previously which was a bit daunting, even with a few mistakes along the way I still found my place within the company and was treated as an adult which is what I wanted.

    5/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by MBDA?
  • I feel like what I do day to day is appreciated by my colleagues and managers. I try to take pride in what I do and I am told when my work is lacking which is very rare and there is usually a reason for it. overall I do feel valued.

    7/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • Due to a manager change half way through my time as an apprentice there was some confusion at first but it did eventually level out. there was never a time I didn't know what I was doing or what I was to do next, and I knew who to ask if I was ever unsure.

    6/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • I did my first few months of training at their training centre, and they were constantly in touch as they were in charge of my NVQ , again I always knew what I was doing and if not I knew who to talk to. I went there a few times over my four years.

    8/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I was in constant contact with my managers and any issues or questions I had were quickly answered. we had monthly meetings with higher ups to discuss issues we had ranging from questions about the scheme itself to college issues and so on. could not have asked for any more.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • I am paid well for my age thanks to starting the scheme at 16, throughout I was paid a good amount with it increasing each year with performance related pay increases. I never struggled with money and always felt what I was being paid was good considering I was not a qualified worker at the time.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • There are always charity events and social events going on in and outside of work hours. These are all advertised on the work email system which is broadcasted to everyone at the site. as an apprentice there is an opportunity to join the charity team also and help organise these events.

    9/10

  • 9. Would you recommend MBDA to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Because there are plenty of chances to move up in the company and even the base job after the apprenticeship pays well and keeps me busy and interested. There are also a lot of chances for further education even after the apprenticeship is over so the places you can go in or outside of the company are endless.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to MBDA?
  • Don't give up applying, if your application is turned down one year apply the next it is well worth it. also don't give up once you start working here, it is hard work for a while and can be frustrating but it is well worth it, its a job for life if you want it to be.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Bolton, Greater Manchester

March 2017


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