Technical Apprentice Review

I am a Technical Apprentice at Leonardo, we rotate on 3 month placements within the company throughout the 4 years. I am currently in Hardware and am involved in PCB layout and circuit design using ECAD software. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Apprenticeship so far, the placements are varied and useful.

I have learned so many new skills, I have gained a range of qualifications and experiences. I have developed ECAD, CAD, SAP, Team working, Communication and organisation skills, as well as gaining knowledge regarding components, electronics, PCB assembly, Physics and Antennas.

I thoroughly enjoy it, at first it was slightly difficult to adapt to, coming from A-levels, but I have really settled in to the company and learnt a lot.

I feel highly valued, I am capable of doing a lot of valued work and I contribute highly to the placements I am in. I am treated like a normal employee however I sometimes know even more about the business than regular employees.

There were a few issues to begin with due to a change of college however the over all structure of the placements works well. Our HR department is very good so organisation isn't much of an issue.

Our college is helpful however they could provide more help with difficult subjects, if we are struggling the only time we can ask them if once a week when we are at college.

We have a lot of support from our managers and teams at Leonardo. We have regular meetings with our NVQ assessors to ensure we are on track with our qualifications.

We get paid well, not an 'apprentice wage'. The rate is fixed however it increases every year by a considerable amount. I am able to meet all of my costs (including rent).

Yes, we have a ladies football team that meet weekly. The rest of the business is very sociable with many opportunities for outside of work activities like bowling, theatre trips etc.

Yes

It has been one of the best decisions I ever made, I work with great people and earn money, qualifications and experience at the same time.

Come to the open days to get a feel of the company, engineering isn't always what you expect and Leonardo isn't necessarily 'hands on' engineering however it is a wonderful place to work.