Apprentice Review

As an apprentice designer I have a mixture of academic work and practical work in the first year. We have a group of designers and meet the Apprentice Coordinators regularly. We also meet the Heads of Discipline (HoDs) from time to time.

I'm always developing new skills here as wee are currently studying a mixture of subjects which includes a Nation Diploma in Engineering and an NVQ. I personally have not learned that much since I have already done a HND in Mechanical Engineering.

I think that the apprenticeship itrself is extremely varied and enjoyable when the placement that you have been assign to is a good team to work with. Some placements are not set up well for apprentices however and this can mean the placement being dull and not contributing to your NVQ and this is not always know to the training centre.

It is difficult to say since we are not in the workplace yet. This first year is spent in college. The Apprentice Coordinators have expressed to us our importance to the company and I do not feel overlooked or taken for granted in any way.

I feel the programme is reasonably well structured. I know what my college education consists of, and where it is heading. With regards to my placements I know what type of placement I am doing, and roughly when, but I don't find out specific information until nearer the start time.

I receive as much support as I require, meets with assessor can be as frequent as desired and meetings known as LCS reviews are performed every 12 weeks to track your progress and set deadlines etc. during your first year there is always a train provider on section to help with queries check work etc. and when in the business there only a phone call or quick walk away.

Trainers from the company come into college every day to check on us and we know how to find them or contact them if we need them. We can always ask them for help and we occasionally have group chats about our work and how we are finding it. my supervisor is also in touch with my tutor so we get good feedback.

In terms of my actual out goings around 30% of my wage covers all my bills bearing in mind I’m still living at home and only really have rent, food, fuel and a phone bill the rest of my wage is spend on my hobbies I imagine if you are trying to afford to a mortgage on a house etc. the wage may seem minimal although in the end it would be worth it.

There is always oppertuninties out side work. i take part in the football teams and social activities are encouraged between the staff. There are a lot of societies and clubs within the orgainisation aswell that allows you to persue hobbies should you wish.

Yes

This is a great job to have and i have been learning from day one. Its always interesting and varied and allows apprentices to gain a broad overview of the company. This is vital when you dont know what is avaialable to you as a career.

Just make sure that you are confident at interview and you have learnt the things that you feel you need to. I also feel that trying to make your application slightly different can make you stand out from the pile as there are always a lot of applications that come in.