Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship Review

The advanced engineering apprenticeship I do currently is a multitude of different activities. We are learning the trades that we can join as part of the apprenticeship, this being a fitter, machinists, electrician or technician. We learn the different skills needed to succeed within the work place. Also, as part of our course, we complete further education modules in order to attain in our first year a BTEC Level 3 in Aerospace engineering. The task we complete in each section are suited to the role we will be joining and teach all the basic functions of the role so that we know as much as possible when we eventually do go into the workplace.

I have learnt a lot of new skills, particularly manual skills. In Fitting and Machining and Electrical I have learnt basic work like filing and sawing and also wiring which can be applied to any situation in the workplace and even outside of the workplace. I have also learnt specific trade skills which will help me when I go into the workplace so I can benefit and help the company. In the Further Education segment, I have continued to develop my writing skills from college and have progressed them to HNC and HND level which will hopefully benefit me in the future. I have also been developing my speaking skills by having to do presentations and also giving them to people outside of the apprenticeship as an extra curricular activity within the company.

I enjoy the work and how I have learnt something new everyday so far. I enjoy it more than I ever thought I would and regret not joining the apprenticeship earlier than I did.

I feel very valued within the apprenticeship. We have constant reviews to ensure that we are working well and checking that we still enjoy working here.

The structure is good. We moved into our building late and yet the apprenticeship was still continued and we will still have time to learn everything we have to. However some things in regards to specialisation have been left a little late and I have had to research some areas on my own.

We receive the support that we need to complete the task successfully, all questions are answered and help is given. Most tutors were very friendly and were very approachable. Some were less however I think this is down to the style of teaching.

We had a lot of support in terms of guidance within the company. We have been allowed to participate in company schemes and receive constant updates on areas within the company that can benefit us such as Occupational Health.

My salary meets my living costs well as I am living at home still. It allows me to pay my monthly allowance, my car loan, my petrol costs, and any costs for social events.

There are not many events that have been advertised to us yet, however through research I have already applied for the Apprentice council and will look to join the STEM Ambassadors next year. There are local areas as well for sports however they have also not been advertised to us, only through seeing them do I know that they are there.

Yes

This is a brilliant apprenticeship and has definitely been worth applying for, It is a great alternative to university and college and you get the education as well to apply to a work place.

Practise for the interview, have hobbies in general to gain skills, but also they can be applied to the interview stage. Always have a positive attitude to work, everything you learn will benefit you at some point on the apprenticeship.