Engineering Apprentice Review

My job title is Engineering Apprentice and I am currently training in the operations aspects of the role including soldering, making connections, understanding and complying with standards and specifications. I work closely with the onsite operations trainer but I am often needed to work with or speak to other colleagues. We also work with people outside the business such as NVQ assessors and further education providers. We are responsible for our own work and we have to meet the required standard. When training we are either shown how to do a job or given a drawing and are required to replicate it to the required standard. Also, we have to write up the jobs we have done to show understanding and to provide NVQ evidence. I work with the other apprentices to work through problems and discuss the best way to tackle a problem.

I am currently working on an NVQ level 3 qualification and a level 3 BTEC qualification in electrical and electronic engineering. I have also completed a IPC specialist course so I am competent to work up to class 3. In addition I have completed a number of training courses including a Equality and Diversity and Electronic faultfinding. In our second week we met with all 200 new starters to the company (including graduates and apprentices) and worked on our communication and mindset skills to transition into work from education. I have learned many professional communication skills that I did not use in school and feel more confident because of it.

I enjoy being in work compared to full time education as there is a more of a goal to work towards and people tend to be more focused than in full time education. Being part of a company is and implementing the values is enjoyable, as is working as part of a team and feeling involved.

MBDA have invested greatly in us with various training courses and opportunities so I feel valued by MBDA. We have regular meeting with our manager and have an Engineering Apprentice Forum monthly where we discuss any problems including college. I have not been involved many working projects as I am still in training but other apprentices have said that you are given real work to do so is fulfilling.

This year has not been the most organised as the company is currently transitioning to a new site. The first week/induction was very well organised with a large conference room and an itinerary given out on the first day of various training courses we would be attending. College day is a big focus imposed on us by our management as we cannot take holidays over it. Only 3 engineering of us are engineering apprentices of the 10 apprentices so the other 7 do not have a support network.

I had a day with my NVQ provider where I was introduced to the programme and was able to ask any questions. I have not received much support after this because I did not need it and have not asked for it. If I need to speak to my tutor I have his phone number and email address, and I have a review with him every 8 weeks.

At the start of the programme I received a lot of support from our HR manager, making sure that we were comfortable and knew what we were doing. If we are every stuck or unsure there are 3 official people we could turn to ask and many employees are willing to help.

The costs of employment are currently quite low. Daily travel costs are the main expense however large travel costs to other sites are covered by the company. Clothing is currently quite relaxed so there are no excessive costs there. Living quite close to site made relocation unnecessary and social costs were the main expense at the beginning of the programme.

There are quite a few company promotional events such as careers events which we are encouraged to apply for but not forced to attend. Also, there are a number of clubs and events such as charity challenge and an annual static multi-site bike race. Work colleagues form a larger part of outside social activities but have not completely taken over.

Yes

When speaking to apprentices of other companies at college I feel that we are valued and invested in more considering the number of training opportunities we have had over the last 6 months. The company also have a good set of values and a friendly atmosphere. I enjoy working and studying to just studying and there is more opportunities to apply what you are learning.

I did a work experience before applying and I think this gave me an insight into the company that I was able to talk about in the company. HR tend to look for people who are looking to progress rather than stagnate and they also look for enthusiasm and a genuine background interest in engineering. People who know what they are best at and take a lead in group activities are also looked upon highly.