Engineering Apprentice Review

as an engineering apprentice at MBDA we move around the departments within the company and get an overview of many different job roles and how they affect other parts of the business, this changes every 3-6 months and therefore our jobs can be anywhere in design departments using CAD software to down the manufacturing labs assembling the products on a daily basis

at MBDA we study towards a HND in mechanical engineering going through BTEC level 3 and HNC in the process. We also achieve a NVQ level 2 in our first year at Oaklands college where we learn many hands on engineering skills from machining to electrical circuits. During my time working I have learnt many aspects and uses of CAD software in design and development of products, we also have a PLTS course to develop our selves in more personal aspects such as team skills, presenting and communication.

I enjoy my programme a lot, working here gets me involved in different projects that we work on in MBDA providing a challenging environment to develop my skills as an engineer. The different teams I have worked in have all been great and have provided me with a range of challenges during my programmes all of which I have enjoyed taking on

at MBDA I feel I am very valued as an employee, during my time in different departments they have given me a lot of responsibilities to take on and trust us to do it whilst providing us with the training and help needed. We have reviews with our line managers where we are given good feedback and constructive advice and are nominated for awards during our apprenticeship schemes by other colleagues which shows we are doing well.

our programme is very structured, there is a good induction process at the start to warm us into the programme. The training at college is very good, we attend on day release whilst working the rest. Our placements in the departments of the company allow a broad view of different job roles we may consider and there is always support whenever we need it.

we receive a lot of support from our training provider, the tutors at the college are always happy to help whenever we need it. The tutors want us to be the best we can and get the most out of our time spent at college.

we receive a great deal of support from our employer, any time we need help during our work our manager or other members of the teams are always happy to help. there is always plenty of support from our HR team as well should we require it, it feels like everyone wants to give us any help we need as we would be the future of the company.

we get a good salary whilst on the apprentice scheme with the opportunity to get annual pay rises which are based on performance both in our studies and on the job.

At MBDA the apprentices hold an annual robotics competition where schools from around the county compete, we run and plan the competition. We are also STEM ambassadors and are encouraged to take part in events to help out local schools or provide talks and careers events for them. MBDA also has a sport and social club and an annual inter departmental football competition amongst other things to get involved with

Yes

MBDA is a good place to work. The apprenticeship scheme provides us with all the necessary tools to excel in our chosen field of study and a great career at the end of it.

I would advise others to do some background research on the company for any interview questions which might pop up. Be yourself at the assessment days and do the best you can do.