Apprentice Review

my role in the plant is to work around different manufacturing areas. this includes producing 3 different components throughout 4 sizes and uses of these components. I am a machinist which means I produce the actual component using primarily a lathe or milling machine. To work to the best of my ability must measure the components carefully quality checking as I produce.

I Have had to learn new skills such as turning or milling to allow me to do the job, I have also had to learn different health and safety legislations and other regulations which are involved with the job. I have already had a lot of experience in making things with my dad meaning I could build on some existing skills which have helped me in my job. I have also been enrolled on many training sessions which have also taught me about my job.

I enjoyed the training for Cummins because It has helped me meet more people who have become good friends and learn many skills which I value, these are never going to be forgotten and will help me throughout my life. However I feel the company can be a bit overbearing in terms of management on the shop floor and I don't feel there is trust in the workforce.

I do to an extent as they are putting me through a course which is a lot of money to put me through and are giving me a lot of benefits such as pensions and health care and a very good pay. however after speaking to some previous apprentices i think that if you are put in certain departments you can be pushed to the side and forgotten about which can limit your progression through the company.

I feel there is a very good structure to the course, first you learn all the legislation and 'paperwork' around the job and moving on from there I learnt basic machining skills which i have built upon to become the machinist I am today. there are set times and a rota as to which department you are put in at a certain time. i do feel that the people who train you should be set out in each department meaning everyone gets the same training on the machines by the same person so there is no conflict of training styles but all in all there is a good structure.

I feel that the college gave me a lot of support in my first few years and this allowed me to achieve the grades I have. i feel i can go up to most tutors and ask for help with any work i am stuck with, however some i feel don't do their job very well in the sense that they don't have a structure to their lessons or have the full knowledge of the subject they are teaching.

my employer gives me support where they can, throughout the start of training there were regular meetings with my manager to see my progress throughout the course. i found this helpful as it gave me time with one to ones to talk about any problems which may have arisen, once i have progressed through the course i feel this dropped off a bit and the meetings have become less frequent. i have also found that i am in contact with my sub manager more though than my main manager when i feel there should be equal throughout.

i feel that at cummins i am paid very well and that it allows me to live a good life as an apprentice. it has allowed me to buy a car which i can run using the money i am paid.

we do have a eeec which is a community project where employees are tasked with helping the community with tasks such as wall building, painting schools and clearing areas of litter. i have also been involved in the greenpower race which meant building a small electric race car which was raced, i had to attend multiple events to help with general maintenance on the car.

Yes

i feel they teach you a good range of skills and pay you well. you will also meet a lot of friends and good people who work at the plant. and for some people it is a job for life.

you need to show that you have a good range of skills when applying and ask for a site tour so that you know exactly what it is like. you should have knowledge of the product we make. i would have like to be told more about what the manufacturing process involves and wheather you will be put into that area.