Craft Engineering Apprentice Review

I am an engineering apprentice, working in the operations department. So far I have been on my apprenticeship for 6 months and have been in training. For the first 3 months I was based at a training centre learning basic engineering skills such as measuring, electrical wiring and fault finding, fabrication and welding. Currently I am just finishing my placement with the operations trainer on site, Ray Aspinall, who has so far trained us in skills such as dynamic cabling, basic soldering and IPC accreditation.

My first 6 months have been purely engineering training courses, developing our basic engineering skills to a competent level so we can start on site in the company and be of use. MBDA is sponsoring our engineering level 3 NVQ currently, plus our college courses at either Level 3 (Engineering BTEC) or Level 4 (Electrical Engineering HND). The opportunities at MBDA are quite exceptional for an apprenticeship. So far I am already qualified as an IPC specialist through work, plus I have earned certificates for manual handling courses, high voltage training courses and an equality and diversity basic training course. The skills I have learnt through this apprenticeship are priceless to me as I personally think I would not have had this level of training and guidance through any other means. We have been so far trained to a high standard in engineering skills such as soldering, cabling, terminations, hand fitting etc. and also have had a lot of personal development and team building opportunities to grow us as individuals. As well as actual engineering skills, I have learnt a lot about myself and how to present myself in a professional way and make my career at MBDA successful.

I love it. An apprenticeship was the best decision for me at this point in my life. My apprenticeship at MBDA has far exceeded my expectations and I am really excited to continue it. Starting on-site in the company a few months ago, I am really impressed by the company culture and attitude which is so friendly and just like a family atmosphere. Even being an apprentice, literally everyone and anyone in the company is willing to help you if you need it. Everyone here wants you to succeed, and that in turn makes you want to do well for yourself and the company.

I actually feel very valued as a member of MBDA. From day 1 the company has put so many things in place to make us feel immediately like a permanent member of the company. From team building trips to seminars with executive members of the company, MBDA has stressed that we are the future of the company and extremely valued. So far, I have good relationships with my manager and line manager and feel like I can talk to them about any doubts or worries at any time. Everyone involved in running the apprenticeship scheme is very supportive.

Extremely well ran and organised. I feel like so far, all my needs and expectations as an apprentice have been met by the company. We had formal inductions, site tours, team building and also have the option to be assigned to a mentor in the company. College enrolment was an easy 1 day process and has ran smoothly since, attending 1 day a week. We have recently received a time table of our placements for the next 2 years which, for me personally, is a really useful thing as it allows me to plan ahead and think about what to expect.

We received a lot of support at the time of training, with monthly reviews and tutors on hand to answer any questions and help us. We received contact numbers for our manager and line manager on the first day of meeting them which makes contacting them extremely easy. As previously mentioned, the whole attitude of everyone involved in MBDA's apprenticeship is just very positive. They really want you to succeed and will try their best to help you do that.

Again, support has been exceptional from MBDA. We have contact details of our manager and line manager to raise any questions or concerns and they will actively try and help us.

At MBDA the starting salary is quite competitive at 12K starting. The pay rise and bonuses from the company are also very good which improves the quality of the apprenticeship. I actually ended up moving into a house with one of the apprentices who started the scheme at the same time as me. We also have cars each and savings accounts. The MBDA apprenticeship has put me in a financial position I could not have achieved through university or other means. The benefits provided by MBDA are also very competitive, with a great pension scheme you are encouraged to sign up to from day 1. They also have a whole platform of other benefits such as child care vouchers and car hire schemes which I know are used by a lot of other members of the company.

So far we have attended a host of activities outside of work. From networking events with other apprentices and graduates down in Stevenage, to charity bowling events that allow you to meet people in the company in a relaxed and social setting. MBDA offers excellent opportunities such as free language classes and subsidized gym memberships. I also have taken part in an open evening at my training provider (Alliance Learning) where myself and 2 other apprentices were basically given free reign to set up our stand and talk about the company, in the hopes of recruiting some new apprentices.

Yes

MBDA is really an exceptional company that cares just as much about the individual as they do the employee. The salary, benefits and healthcare are extremely competitive in this sector. The supportive nature of everyone at MBDA really does make a difference to your work day, and makes the company an enjoyable place to be. Taking the MBDA apprenticeship is one of the decisions I have made for myself and my career.

I would say just try your best in the application process. MBDA apprenticeships are some of the most competitive in the country, so I would try and make my application stand out and make sure I include as much relevant information as possible. I would also suggest to research the company before interview days as this shows enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. MBDA aren't expecting candidates to be perfect and fully trained engineers already, so I think the best piece of advice is just to show them how passionate you are about your future career, how eager to learn you are and how hard you are willing to work.