Craft Apprentice Review

In work I am currently completing my 6 probation period where I have learnt various training skills. I do soldering and create cables with my mentor at the minute.

Since starting at this company I have learnt new skills such as milling and turning using different machines. I have also developed older skills such as soldering as the company expects perfection, whereas my skills before weren't as up to the standard that the company want.

I am enjoying my programme a lot as everyone I work with is very nice and have lots of patience with a new starter. The rest of the apprentices here are very welcoming and are all very friendly and will help you out with anything you don't know. In all my company is like a big family and I enjoy working here more than anywhere else I have previously worked.

At MBDA I feel very valued as just last week I was asked to be a part of a testing group, for example, I helped out with a group of applicants and was asked to help them and take them around the site, I also got to join in on a meeting at the end where I helped to pick out the people they were going to invite back for an interview and maybe employ. This was a huge role for me as I was in their place only six months ago.

At first my programme was very 'all over the place' as the company have been moving to a new site so everyone has been a bit messed up with where they are going and how much time we spent at certain places but since they sorted that out and I got settled it has been very organised and I always have something to do every day.

I receive lots of support form my training provider, for example my manager at the minute has helped to get my work up to standards and has been very patient with me and helped me with any queries I have had and has made sure I'm not stressed out a lot with the huge amounts of work I am given.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, for example, they are always making sure the apprentices and their employees are very well looked after and know what they are doing and if anyone has any problems we can go straight to them and ask for help without feeling stupid.

My salary just about meets my costs and needs, but with an evergrowing salary, this gives me more opportunities and I am able to earn more all the time.

There are many opportunities outside of work, for example, one person was asked to go to Australia to go and help on a top secret mission there and people have been to Germany to meet the company allies.

Yes

I would recommend MBDA to a friend because they are a fantastic company to work for and I have never been as happy in any of my previous jobs. They are a highly thought of company and treat all of their employees equally, for example the CEO of my site treats us like we're all his family and friends and its just a lovely working atmosphere.

To someone applying to MBDA I would say just be yourself and try your best when they are asking you to do any tasks that you get invited to undertake. There are many opportunities to challenge your employer here and you will also have fun.