Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by Siemens?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend Siemens to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Siemens?
I am training to be a wind turbine technician, this includes everything from prepping tools for job in the morning, Servicing turbine at set interval be it 500 hours six monthly firth year or annuals, warranty work for replacing old or insufficient safety and mechanical systems, to fault finding on down turbines. Along side normal work I fill out my NVQ work and other admin. All through the day I have to adhere to safety procedures and work instructions.
I joined the apprenticeship after a year of college, therefore I have gained skills in hydraulic and mechanics at the same time as improving my electrical skills and knowledge. I also get to regularly practice my ability at ready technical drawings as I examine electrical drawing and work plans as part of my day-to-day jobs occasionally.
The apprenticeship is a great opportunity with limited place, after a few minor problems the program has been enjoyable with a chance to progress and further my knowledge at every mile stone. There can be a few set backs through miscommunication but this can be expected when you are given the information you require to allow yourself the independence and responsibility to grow as part of the team. The opportunities to develop is given as long as you prove yourself a valued asset, which seams fair. Being treated this way make me feel like an adult part of a large global team not just an apprentice.
Siemens is a global company that accepted my application out of hundreds just for Lincolnshire, this is a large opportunity that I am not just grateful for but lucky too as I was the only female in my year in my region to be accepted. This was an opportunity I did not take lightly or for granted, I only hope to be able to prove my worth and continue with the company onto a full time job.
Since we have started using Onefile as our NVQ marking system online the structure has dramatically improved from NVQ assessors who were unsure on the requirement leading to a difference in stand to a NVQ assessing body practiced in their jobs with years of experience able to prove helpful and interesting advice on improvements that can and need to be made to our stand of work, this has also allowed for quicker marking times. The first year of college however never had any problems, but has since been split in half to allow practical experience to be acquired on the turbines to help further the new students knowledge.
In my opinion we receive ample enough support from the Onefile assessors, and our managers are available from 8-4 Monday-Friday, this is more then adequate enough for any dedicated student. And should any problems arise the Site technicians, planners and managers are more then willing to help. The Onefile team are always quick to respond to any questions you rise, quick to prove feed back on site diaries you complete for marking and provide contact details should you require help outside of office hour or request a site visit.
In my opinion we receive ample enough support from the Onefile assessors, and our managers are available from 8-4 Monday-Friday, this is more then adequate enough for any dedicated student. And should any problems arise the Site technicians, planners and managers are more then willing to help. On a whole the company now supplies more than enough support on all problems, NVQ work and admin, however we did have a minor problem with management for a year though no fault of the employer as the apprentice manger rescinded short notice and it toke time to find an adequate replacement meaning I had to quickly learn how to manage myself when I was between sites because the information was not passed on to the stand in manger. However the new manager provides grate support with treating all apprentices equally, fairly and like we are mature adults. He allows all apprentice to have an impute in their training, including requesting course they don't necessarily have to undertake but they feel will benefit them/ the site.
For an apprentice wage I am paid an existential waged, I am paid similar to a fully employed technician, this is more then I expected when I first applied and joined the company. Along side my wage I am provided with accommodation, allowance and hire cars. This more then meets my needs but also allows grate early opportunities for home owning and responsibility.
There are my opportunities to progress onto further jobs though work, whether it be by working through the ranks or simply be training. However I have not investigated as to whether this qualification will help me in other industries however i think the skills i am getting through this apprenticeship can easily be used in other jobs and they are transferrable skills.
Yes
If not for the name, qualifications and money. Then purely for the wide range of opportunities and the feeling of being part so such a large team. The overall experience is really enjoyable and so far i have not had any problems only a few little issues that have been easily resolved. It's a great oppotunity as i say and you won't regret applying and possibly joining!
Always ask questions about everything even if it appears to be simple. But never stop learning. Its advisable to get all you qualification from college completed to the highest of your ability's the first time around, continue this through your training in Newcastle, you competency frame work and your NVQ. Standing out with help you get a full time job and extra training. Extra train can not only help you in your day to day work, open now door like Helicopter Operations but also make you a more valued asset to the team/ Siemens. Siemens doesn't have to employ you so show them when they should offer you a full time job. Never take Siemens for granted. But be aware your actions outside the company can effect your job just ask as you action inside the company can effect your life outside of work, this includes managing your American express company card.
Details
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
East Midlands
May 2017