Apprentice Technican Review

My role in Siemens is within the coil manufacturing, this involves winding superconducting coils. This includes handling of superconducting wire, controlling and operating a winding machine, electrical checks, potential problem solving and communicating with other technicians, cell leaders and engineers. I am responsible for winding coils to the company's standards within both quality and health and safety.

I have gained a number of qualifications such as a level 2 BTEC in engineering and level 2 NVQ in manufacturing. While still completing and in the process of a level 3 BTEC in engineering and level 3 NVQ in manufacturing. From these qualifications I have learnt how to machine, weld, complete electrical tasks, maintain equipment and machinery. Throughout this process I have improved my confidence and communication skills. Siemens have also given internal training to improve my health and safety and overall knowledge of superconducting magnets.

I enjoy my program very much due to having placements around the whole factory which gives me a better and detailed understanding of the MRI product. I enjoy going to college to socialize with different people and continuously learning new topics. I enjoy working in my home department due to the people I work with as well as now being comfortable and confident in my job role. Overall this program met my expectations.

I feel valued the most by other technicians in my department due to how diverse the workforce is. Therefore I may know and have learnt different skills which another older technician may not know. Therefore working together and helping others has helped me feel valued as an apprentice. I also feel valued by my mangers due to having my own responsibilities in my working tasks. Also college lecturers encourage me and give their own time to help me with any questions or problems I may have.

Overall, my program is organized well. Internal Siemens are organized at putting myself on courses which are relevant to my course and department. Externally college are very organized with my program and I am always aware on what days I am at college and my study deadlines. My cell leader also always gives me time to study if I need to.

I receive good support with my college in any problems I may have at work and college. This is reviewed throughout the year as well as being able to go any tutor for help or advise. Tutors/lecturers always have an attitude in wanted to help if I have any problems with work or my course.

I receive good support from Siemens when I ask for it. I know I can always speak or email my manager about any questions I may have about work or my course. There is a good attitude towards supporting me and I can easily access my manager by phone email or visiting him in person.

My salary meets my expectations due to being a very well paid apprenticeship for the engineering industry. The company is local to me and therefore transport and running a car is easy.

There are a number of Company activities and events such as a family day which is done once a year in which families and friends can be given a tour of the factory as well as other entertainment. Other activities include a massage day and for any smokers there is a person on site you can go to, to help you quit the habit.

Yes

Due to the course itself and the quality in which the course is delivered to you. I have learnt so much in the last three years because of the company and the college. I continue to improve and learn everyday.

Advice I may give when applying to Siemens would be to ask questions, be willing to learn and be yourself. Also be confident with your decisions/ assessment day and when meeting new people within the business.