apprentice mechanical engineer Review

I am a machining apprentice and work on the shop-floor manufacturing components for Turbochargers. I am trained to run various machines that are capable of manufacturing several component types to tolerances and limits in order to be assembled and sent to customers.

I have learnt many skills since starting the apprentice program. i have learnt to machine using milling machines, lathes and grinding machines. i have also learnt the skills needed to be a fitter. During the apprenticeship I've acquired my level 3 advanced diploma in engineering, and my HNC. I am a first aider for the site and respond to any accidents that may occur. I have developed my presentational skills and interview techniques during this time also

I work within a team and find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The apprenticeship is exactly how i envisioned it and i am glad that i made the choice to study for the apprenticeship with Cummins! I would recommend the course to others.

I feel valued as a member of the team and do not feel like i am just "the apprentice". I am treated with the same respect that the shop floor staff are and my expectations are the same, as i am doing a similar role, but also studying one day a week.

I feel that the programme is very well structured in terms of the initial induction and the training that we receive as a whole compared to other apprentices at different sites that i have spoken to during my apprenticeship; however i feel that there are some aspects of the training that are not as well implemented. I feel that the apprentice training is as much down to how much effort the individual learner is willing to put in, as to how much training they will receive on the machines from those who are carrying out the training, rather than each individual having a clear and concise program to follow. I feel that the support that i have received from the apprentice team is very good and that they go above and beyond in order to try and support us and help us through the course. There are a lot of opportunities to progress and further your knowledge within the company if you are willing to put the work and time into succeeding.

the training provider that i was originally sent to for my first year of training off-site was poor in my opinion. There were problems with the facilities (power cuts and electrical failures that meant that we couldn't use the machinery or even have lighting - this was a regular problem!) and the staff were often rude and not very helpful. However, since changing providers i have been given a lot of support and good training in order to meet deadlines for submissions.

The manager of the training system for Cummins is excellent! They are very helpful and will go the extra mile in order to make sure that any problems or queries you have can be answered quickly and effectively. They have regular reviews with us to track our progress and offer time out of work to focus on our college work.

The salaries are very good for apprentices at cummins and i believe they are above the national average. i find that the location is easy to get to, and the travel costs that i pay are reasonable for the distance i travel. work is approximately 15 miles away from home, but i commute via car and this isn't a problem. I was able to buy my own house at 20 years old and live comfortably with paying my mortgage etc.

We have a lot of voluntary events that we can get involved in to help the community outside of work. we also have events for the apprentices to get involved in such as greenpower, a nationally recognised program for apprentices to build a go kart and compete. We go to schools and give talks and help with assemblies and STEM activities to promote engineering and the company to younger children

Yes

The company have helped me to achieve qualifications, earn money and develop a career path for myself and therefore i cannot complain at the quality of training and the care and support offered. I enjoy coming to work and we have a good social atmosphere outside of work also.

Include as much information as you can in your application form and take your time to make it the best it can be. presentation is very important and you should be confident and really sell your abilities and skills to the company; but be honest! The interview process is very well structured and you should not feel intimidated, they are looking to take on apprentices, not scare you away, so relax! They will be open and honest with you about there expectations, so feel free to ask as many questions as possible, it will only help you in the future!