Technical Apprentice Review

Technical Apprenticeship - Hardware ME - Undertake various design/testing tasks on PCB circuitry. Complete fault finding tasks with electronic equipment to isolate and solve faults. Initiate test cycles when faults have been identified including setting up test PCBs, setting up and using test chambers/jigs. Attending various design meeting to consult with other departments around how to better implement hardware solutions for the requirements set by the customer/design team etc.

Learned various lab skills via working with test equipment, oscilloscope, use/health and safety of soldering equipment, circuitry design considerations, operation of electronic components, setting up and using thermal/vibration chambers. Learning a lot about electrical theory via the completion of a data booklet that the department have provided which has question throughout it as I move through the tasks. Learning how to better put across various forms of information to different people with very distinct backgrounds.

The programme is very enjoyable when work is available, departments usually try to provide the apprentice with work that tests their skills and gives the chance to work on live equipment. Most of the staff are a great laugh and it is very easy to get on well within departments and to make the day pass by in an enjoyable manner. Outside work there are various options for activities to take part in which either are very enjoyable in themselves or give the opportunity to give back to the community or to help with STEM activities brining its own merits.

Regular meetings are held with both the apprentice training manager and with my SVQ assessor to talk about progress or anything else that I choose to bring up at the meeting which makes you feel more valued. Work within departments is usually well prepared with apprentice in mind and any time there is a task going on within the department the apprentice is usually included right at the center which helps to build competence and on the job skills by throwing you into the middle of a real project.

As you rotate through 3 month placements the level of organisation can change due to each department having differing levels of set tasks or just working with whatever is going on at the time. In some cases this can be better as you work on real projects and experience real, timed working environments. Outwith the departments the SVQ material is very well structured with set deadlines to meet which ensure the efficient and timely completion of the programme with minimal cramming at the end of the year.

Support is available if required and is very well set out and explained by Leonardo upon joining the company. Several information documents are kept within the SVQ folder to ensure I have constant access to the contact information of my training provider, in most cases the company can provide more than sufficient support which makes the training provider less required.

Very good support system with a wealth of people who have undertaken the scheme and understand it or have completed other academia such as CEng etc which gives them a good understanding of how to help. There are several assessors throughout most departments with a wealth of knowledge as to hitting a lot of the cross references which helps to complete the tasks without having to set it all up myself. Anyone who I have asked for thus far has provided help or sent me in the direction of someone who could help.

Leonardo apprenticeships offer a very competitive wage compared to many other schemes I had looked at prior to joining the company and the regular increases each year are a great addition to help me cover my costs and to enjoy my free time. Any days out are usually covered for things such as expenses which prevents me from spending my own money on company business which is a welcome factor in taking these opportunities to experience new things and visit other suppliers etc.

There are a lot of opportunities outwith work to take part in extra-curricular activities or to complete volunteering work. This allows you to join groups of like-minded people to play football etc. There are several volunteering options such as taking part in the robotic games which enhances your electronic construction/maintenance skills whilst allowing you to teach younger people some of the basics and provide them with a enjoyable, fun introduction to electronics and robotic skills. Several trips to other sites or supplies also available in certain departments allowing you to experience other workplaces and their styles of working.

Yes

The very good salary alongside regular increases are a great incentive to join the company from a financial standpoint. Once into the company jobs are very secure with long running projects which allow you to become every competent at your job without fearing having to change company. Opportunities once into the company present themselves the harder you work and further rungs of the ladder are very achievable with the correct work ethic and eagerness to learn new skills throughout every department you are placed within. Learning and achieving a recognised qualification whilst being paid is also a great factor to keep costs low in life.

Ensure that you are very competent in mathematics and physics based problem solving. Try to ensure that you have a good background knowledge of the company and some of the things that are undertaken here including all sectors of the business. Try to show your eagerness to learn and be willing to put yourself out there and to make mistakes to learn new lessons that can be carried forward. Don't panic in the interview segment, the people interviewing you are all really nice guys once you get to know them and are only there to help you succeed and impress.