Technical aAprentice Review

I am a third year technical apprentice based at our Luton site. I am currently rotating round the business, having three month placements in departments that are agreed between me and my manager. As an Apprentice I have learnt the importance of interaction between departments and how each rely and support each other. I am currently working in EWOS (electronic Warfare Operational Support)which is a systems/software placement. My daily tasks involve systems testing, requirement amendments, document changes and overall functionality changes. At Leonardo I am treated as a real employee and given real work that goes to support a project. this means I have responsibility to complete tasks to deadlines. As well as work I am currently at college doing my HNC on day release. This gives me valuable knowledge and theory that I can apply to my day to day job.

During my apprenticeship I have had excellent learning opportunities and I developed my skills and experience in numerous different ways. Firstly I have been to college which has helped me gained my Btec Level 3 in Electronic/Electrical engineering, I am currently working towards my HNC with the opportunity to go further and gain a HND/ degree. I am also working towards my NVQ. At work I have had the opportunity to partake in make internal training courses such as Teamcenter, Electronic Warfare Introduction ,Health and Safety at work and other worthwhile training. This option is always available and new opportunities are always arising. While I already had strong IT skills, feel I have improved these which has made my work neater and makes doing work more efficient. I have learnt the skill of colleague interaction and the importance of working together. This is evident in the IPT (Integrated Project Teams) who are small groups working towards a task/goal. I also learned a great deal about handling customers. My previous roles were not customer-facing so it was great to have the chance to develop this area of my experience. I have gained professional experience and learnt industrial skills such as time keeping, organisation, people interaction and have gained confidence from being at work.

I enjoy my apprenticeship and enjoy working for Leonardo. The work is rewarding and challenging as you are given real work with real consequences if it is or isn't done. You therefore have responsibility to get work done. There are always people to ask if you have problems and most are eager to help and advise. Working in many different departments allow you to see the business as a whole and how each department do things differently from one to another. The culture at work is quite relaxed which I think could be improved. However this allows for a low pressure, sociable work life balance which is beneficial. I have other opportunities with the apprenticeship outside of work such as schools events, schools ambassador, Industrial challenges, sports tournaments and other events. The apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations and has helped me learn a lot about the field of work I am involved with, how a business works and the importance of working together to get a job done. I

I do feel valued by Leonardo and I think this is proved by the work that I am given. Challenging work with responsibility. Managers are always keen to show there appreciation by offering vouchers and other recognition. The company are keen by offering Apprenticeship rewards both internally and on a regional and national scale.

The structure is very good and seems to improve year on year. From year one we have been inducted each year on our responsibilities, requirements and what is expected of us. Training and college is well structured with recognised qualifications received at the end of the apprenticeship. The mentoring/ management system is good with regular review and evaluation with out manger and line manger which allows for personal improvement.

Support from our training provider is ok. The college are quick to help if needs be but are not always available as we are not full time students. At work the support is very good with many people to help if you have problems.

Our employer is very supportive in all that we do. The management team, HR team, mentor system and guidance from other colleagues is as good as it can be. If you need any sort of help there are many avenues from where you can get it from.

Generally my salary meets my costs because I am still living at home, living near to work meaning I haven't got huge commuting costs. Therefore the location is perfect and costs are not an issue.

There are many opportunities outside of work such as company career fairs, school careers fairs, school clubs, social/sport clubs such as of football. Our involvement with the RAF also lead to great opportunities with them such as open days, family days and end user visits. We also do a lot of work with charities (combat stress and Macmillan) which allow us to go to external and internal events such as fund raisers and voluntary days.

Yes

Leonardo is a worldwide engineering firm which allows for great personal and professional development. We have great opportunities for training and learning and this is assisted by being given real work and responsibility. Leonardo is also a great company to work for, for a work life balance. Flexi time allows for social and home advantage. Moreover, the company allows you to gain valuable qualifications which are industry recognised.

Learn about the company before you have an interview. Ensure you are clear on what qualifications/ learning opportunities you want to get out of the company. Get your application I nearly as it shuts quite early. Be clear on what the apprenticeship details and the responsibilities of you as an employee.