Higher Apprentice - Engineering - Civil Aerospace Review

I am a Higher Apprentice working in engineering. Daily tasks and interactions include a range of work depending upon my role at the time. Responsibilities can vary from individual small tasks, to working on a large project with a team.

I have developed existing people and communication skills within my role. I have also developed the thought process which backs up engineering decisions and judgements made.

The work can vary from very interesting to mundane. In areas it has met my expectations - however it sometimes feels too little focus is placed on technical education and engineering. This is being addressed.

At a local level I am fortunate enough to work for managers who appreciate their team and efforts, and the recognition and appreciation does make a difference. This is not true at higher levels within my business area.

The programme is well-structured but not agile. The demands of the business, and therefore training are constantly changing and the systems of organising business placements are too slow to react. Mentors are often overworked and hence the level of support can suffer.

Internal training is very good, and support is available. The interface to external training providers has previously been very poor with providers failing to support part-time students and providing a poor overall learning experience.

Support is there when it is needed, and I have needed less and less as I have developed within my role

The salary meets my cost but is below industry standard, by a significant margin. During careers outreach it has been clear, that prospective candidates are aware of the greater salaries offered by other companies.

Yes there are a number of opportunities outside of work.

No

The training is good, and once in a role the work is more interesting and you can achieve something. However the difference in salary between other providers would not allow me to recommend it in good conscience.

Research the company, practice your interview techniques, and (from reading the material on the recruitment website) try to understand what qualities they are looking for and how you have demonstrated them. Practice and confidence with presenting to people is crucial - but is developed with time.