craft apprentice Review

my role on a day-to-day basis as a Leonardo UK Craft apprentice is to work on the shop floor with the engineers and fitters and understand how a craft apprentice fits in, I work with the fitters and learn how to complete different jobs, whilst having am interaction with the engineers were I learn about the techniques they use on the shop floor. I go through 3 month placements until my final year were after a large view of the company I and placed in a department that best suits my abilities.

since joining the apprenticeship program at Leonardo I have gained an performing engineering operations SVQ level 2 , an HNC in engineering systems, and a onsite SVQ level 3, I have also been on different awareness courses internally and I have gained an qualification to allow me to solder to IPC j standard.

I enjoy my daily work, working on the shop floor with my colleges I also enjoy going to college on a day realise basis not only does this give me a chance to socialise with the other apprentices that I may not be able to see on a day-to-day basis but it allows for a break from the working week and I enjoy the course that I am currently doing, I enjoy the different aspect of my job that could be going to out to schools, helping out at different events, helping out with work experience and trying to get people interested in a career in engineering.

at Leonardo I do feel valued as when we work on different projects for example the events that occurred during apprenticeship week our company praised our work and we were given gifts to show how thankful the company was for our help, this was also recognised by our management team who thanked us all during our quarterly meeting, I also feel that Leonardo value our insight as they have left the apprentices in charge of changing the current work experience program which is a huge responsibility

my program at Leonardo is well structured with regards to my SVQ I have meetings with my manager every quarter, and I have a personal internal SVQ assessor who makes sure that my log books and evidence is up to scratch. my management team are great with the support they give us for either work, SVQ or college, it is also organised with regards of were you are going in the company you are given a two or three year plan depending on what course you are on and you follow that plan going through different departs until you are finished and move on to your finial placement

my training provider is my employer and Edinburgh college, Edinburgh college give you the normal support within college but as we are classed as employed students then we are given priority which can help when leading up to the exams, this is because we are only at college once a week. my employer supports me throughout my program and the management team make sure that you are not struggling with any of your work load.

the support my employer gives me is second to none, we have a large HR department who can deal with any issue we may have as well as a good management team who support us throughout our program, if we ever needed any support we would be able to wither phone or email anyone within HR or out management team, both are more than happy to support us with anything that we may need

the salary is fair salary but due to the fact that I had to move away from my home and rent costs can be very expensive especially in Edinburgh as I go through my apprenticeship it is getting easier, however a graduate or an employee who has had to move the distance I have are able to get a relocation bursary but apprentices don't qualify this bursary would benefit apprentices when they first move as there are a lot of costs that come with moving house and renting.

there are many opportunities outside of work there are a large number of company events that apprentices are asked to attend, with our work we get a pass to Edinburgh leisure so most apprentices go to the gym together, we are all stem ambassador and are sent to different events on a regular basis as well as help run the events that our company ruins internal for example the work experience program.

Yes

the company is a great company to work for even if you have to move away from home, the pay is good and the work is very enjoyable there is always something interesting happening, the opportunities at Leonardo are great being a stem ambassador is a extremely rewarding experience, you will enjoy being a Leonardo apprentice what we work with is amazing and working with such advanced technology is a great feeling.

during the online tests take your time and be careful with your answers they can be tricky but there is always enough time, at the assessment centre be yourself wear smart clothing and present yourself well the whole day is an interview so be careful how you act, during the day you will be given tasks take your time and think about it its not about completing the task its about how you go through the task how you interact with others. if you get into the program when you have your first 6 months at college get the log books done asap as this will give you less worry towards Christmas time.