Engineering Apprentice Review

As an engineering apprentice I am on placements which each last 3 months except two which last 6 months. Within these placements we will perform tasks a jobs which will help up build a full representation of all the job roles within the company. There are a wide range of daily interactions which including stalking to other colleagues throughout the business as well as talking to external suppliers/customers. I am often submerged in project work including designing and checking models/drawings.

In the apprenticeship scheme we are offered a wide range of internal training courses such as first aid, product safety, crane courses etc. We are also required to attend a course which help sus build our personal and professional skills. The qualifications we can achieve range up to a degree and also NVQ 4.

The work which I receive is challenged and is set to help us grow and develop as engineers, this therefore creates a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment when the work has been successfully completed. In the completion of the work the team which you work in is generally very supportive as this follows suits to the nature of the company.

Some placements within MBDA ensure that you are very valued including you in real project work and allowing you to gain experience as an engineer. However a few are purely 'task book' based and you do not attempt any real work in this. This means that the internal involvement and recognition can be lacking in some departments.

The training programme is very well structured and consists of well laid out plans of induction, training and studying etc. When in the programme we are given support from both our HR manager as well as our NVQ assessor who we each have meeting with 6 weekly to ensure we are progressing as we should be.

Our training provider has given us (as explained above) our NVQ assessor who both supports us and guides us within our studies but also ensures the completion of our NVQ.

The employer has offered many opportunities for support our HR representatives, although they can be busy and it is sometimes hard to find a good time for us both. They have a positive attitude towards helping us and there are other apprentices that will be able to offer assistant as necessary.

The salary is high for my age as I am still living at home which is relatively close to the workplace therefore it doesn't cost too much. It is in an ideal location near the train station.

There are many company events and activities which can be undertaken if they want to for example there are trips that are run by the company. The company undertakes several 'charity challenges' which help you raise money for the local community.

Yes

The company has many benefits and is a genuinely nice environment in which to work. There are many support options within MBDA and I feel there is always someone to turn to if you are having issues, whatever the nature of them may be.

When applying to MBDA you must ensure that you are showing your personality within the application process as it is a very people focussed environment. Show all the activities you have been involved in to show you are a well rounded individual who enjoys participating in a wide range of tasks even if they're out of your comfort zone.