Electronic Test Engineering Apprentice Review

I work within the Test Engineering department, currently in Manufacturing Defect Investigation (MDI) Test Equipment Development. My role is to design and develop test equipment that provides autonomous solutions to testing sub-assemblies of a missile. This involves circuit design and proving that these solutions meet the desired test specifications/requirements. On a day to day basis I liaise with a team of engineers and project managers to ensure the project is progressing efficiently. I work with external sub-contractors for certain sections of the test solutions to provide support on proving and calibration.

Since starting this apprenticeship my communication and interpersonal skills have been developed well, which make me now capable to interact and co-work with colleagues very easily; a lot more easily than when I first started. Along with this, I have also developed my technical skills vastly since joining, and my knowledge of electronics is ever growing.

My programme has been enjoyable to me, more so to the end, as I am now able to focus and specialise in areas that interest and engage me more. The apprenticeship has provided me with many opportunities, which I have been very fortunate to experience, since they would not have been available otherwise.

I feel valued highly by MBDA, as I am given challenging work, which allows me to fulfil a happy working life. I see being given challenging work as a way of MBDA acknowledging my intelligence and drive. MBDA also provide a lot of courses for personal and technical development, where all expenses paid. This active approach to providing development appears as if the company value individual's progression as vital to the growth of the business. It also makes individuals feel as if they are a key part to the business.

The programme is structure well and provides all apprentices with a great base knowledge of the business before moving into a department to specialise. There are a lot of individuals who put themselves forward as mentors to help develop early career employees. These people help with anything to technical issues with regards to study, or just general support and advice in the business.

College tutors and learning providers are always ready to help as much as they can with any training and qualifications. There is a lot of help with regards to NVQs and educational qualifications by the training provider. A lot of information is readily available on the provider's website. Most tutors are more than happy to help individuals progress further.

HR are always there for any queries that employees may have. Along with that there are many supportive line managers and mentors that provide support for professional development and progression. In my experience, they have been very helpful with regards to helping me progress into a job role that I desired.

My apprenticeship is very well paid and I have no problems at all with any costing. Living, travelling and social costs are covered comfortably, especially as an apprentice. With the salary that I earn I feel valued as an employee and not just seen as a cheap means of labour.

There is a great community at MBDA, especially at the Lostock/Bolton site. There is a company charity team that runs events to raise money for various charitable organisations. All of these events are fun and engaging, leading to a large attendance by the employees. The company attends a lot of events such as formal dinners where a variety of employees attend, as a form a gratuity of the company. As well as the above, there are also various sporting/leisure teams where employees socialise together.

Yes

MBDA has been voted in the top best 30 large companies in the UK to work for this year. That alone should stand testament to how much of a great company it is, as it was voted in there by the employees themselves. The work that you undertake on a daily basis is challenging but also engaging and enjoyable at the same time. The business is one that is stable and relevant in today's market.

If you visit the MBDA website and search on the careers section, there is plenty of information for applications to work experience, apprenticeship schemes, under-grad & grad schemes, and also experience worker employability. Along with the required intelligence for the job, you must be passionate and enjoy what you do. This is a key thing to put across in an interview. If you relax, act as yourself and ensure the interviewers know that you're passionate and dedicated to what you do, then you'll be off to a great start.