Design Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

My job title is Design Engineering Technician Apprentice. At the start of my apprenticeship I attended college to complete a course called Performing Engineering Operations. this lasted 6 months. I then entered the business and began rotational placements. I will be moved department in the business every 13 weeks. I am currently in my second placement performing various tests on Laser systems.

I have a Performing Engineering Operations qualification and have began working towards an HND in Engineering Systems. I have successfully developed skills in working in large groups and presenting my work to numerous people. this is done at the end of each rotational placement.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme I am on right now. the work I do is very interesting to me personally and you can gain confidence in your ability to carry out such complex tasks. The company are very helpful towards apprentices in getting them involved with numerous programmes and charity work as well as developing their career in the direction they want. The programme has been very good so far and has met all of my expectations.

Leonardo has numerous ways of recognising the input they gain from apprentices and make it fully aware from the start how important apprentices are to the structure of the business. No one in the company has any problems when dealing with apprentices and they are all happy to help in any way they can. We have quarterly reviews with the apprentice manager in which your current supervisor can give feedback on your performance. This is also one of the reasons for the presentations at the end of each placement. As an Apprentice you are also able to be involved with numerous projects which will aid in your career. For example a design apprentice may be asked to work on a new product in order to show them early problems with the design stage of products.

We are given a 3 day induction at the beginning of the apprenticeship in order to explain the business and the requirements of apprentices, before we are then sent to college for 6 months to complete PEO. We then enter the business for a further two week induction including a teamwork project to demonstrate the way the business must operate. When you are in the business there is an apprentice meeting every month to discuss new info relevant to apprentices and also explain opportunities to get involved in. We are also assigned an internal assessor within the company who will be able to help guide us through our SVQ. This is all very well done with little for the apprentice to worry about.

From the start we are advised to report any problems we may encounter to our apprentice manager. This could be anything from having disagreements with other apprentices or employees to struggling with college work or being unhappy in your placement. It is very easy to do this when in work as you are always close to the manager or you can email them. While at college this can be done via a phone call. The apprentice manager has no issues with you coming to them and will do all they can to accommodate change to the programme in order to suit you.

There are numerous awareness sessions to be attended within the business to guide you in how to deal with problems that may occur and much like with the apprentice manager there is no shortage of support as even if you feel uncomfortable going to the manager you can also get support from your assessor, supervisor, or just anyone in the business you feel comfortable with.

I have had no problems with the salary received in travel or living costs. Location is a slight problem as I live in Glasgow but work in Edinburgh however I could move closer if I thought it was needed and it has been my choice to stay in Glasgow. We also receive pay rises every year which will aid in any relocation.

Leonardo excels in getting apprentices involved with voluntary work for schools and charities with no shortage of opportunities. There are also internal things to get involved in which allow for recognition throughout your apprenticeship. They will also support ideas which you come up with, for example in June I will be going to my old school to raise awareness of apprenticeships. I suggested this to the apprentice manager who was on board but allowed me to organise it all myself and give him updates on what stage I was at.

Yes

Leonardo are a very hands on and helpful company focused solely on the development of their apprentices. It is also a very interesting company to work for and are especially good at meeting your needs individually rather than treating all apprentices like the same person, despite there being over 70 apprentices on site in Edinburgh.

When applying you should always make sure you are genuinely interested as it goes in the favour of both parties. Also get to know the company and do lots of online research as they do far more than you see on the surface. Lastly try your best at the assessment centres, keep an open mind about the processes they will put you through and be considerate and understanding to everyone there.