Pipe Fabricator Review

I am an apprentice Pipe Fabricator and my daily tasks involve doing different aspects of Pipe work such as Braising, welding, pipe bending and then writing them up in my work book. I interact with my work colleagues daily and my three tutor's who guide me and teach myself how to do my job. Externally I have contact with other trades in the college, also interacting with staff in the college and canteen. As an apprentice I have a responsibility to be polite, hard working, honest and show respect to others as I am an ambassador for BAE Systems. One of the projects I have been involved in is designing and making a tree for St Mary's Hospice myself and my work colleagues visited the Hospice and spoke to the Manager. Each day I come to work at college I give 100% and do my work and my working assessments.

I have learnt not only new skills but also I have learnt lots of new leglisation. I have learnt how to use hand tools, welding, braising, pipe bending, reading drawing's and other skills, with the Leglisation I have learnt lots about Health and Safety, Employment Rights and Responsibilities and also Personal Learning. I have also re-done my English Exam and have now passed the Exam. I have also learnt skills to communicate well within a team and we have a very close friendly group of Pipe Workers.

I have really enjoyed the 1st year at college doing my apprenticeship. The best part was meeting my work colleagues and the tutors, I feel we have a very friendly close group of friends. The culture of getting up for work at set times and doing night school has been good. The company install In you the way to behave be friendly and respect people. It ahs met all my expectations and I have loved every minute.

I have felt very valued whilst doing my 1st year at college, my tutors have shown me lots of respect and looked after me giving advice and new skills. My BAE Manager is always there for me with any questions/queries and gives us updates and advice. I have had the chance to get involve in tasks and projects and overall I am very happy.

All aspects have been very good, from the induction which was very highlighting, the training has been excellent and I have developed lots of skills, I have been given lots of support in studying and my mentors have given me lots of advice whilst doing regular reviews and meetings, I understand the hierarchy and everything is well organised.

My three tutors whilst at college have been excellent in showing me what to do and supporting me day to day. I can ask them any questions without feeling worried, they are very good. They are always there for me and I have really enjoyed it so far and i hope that in the future too i get get all the help i need from my tutors.

I get support off my BAE Team regulary, they mentor me and support me each week. I get reviewed on my work and attitude in college and any issues or queries I have I get answered. I know that i can go talk to a range of people if i have any problems and queries and that there is also a helpline if i needed help with perhaps more personal issues as well.

I think the pay is very good, it gives me chance to get myself to work in my car, paying for petrol, paying my board at home and helping me save for holidays and savings. Because I am a local Barrow lad College is very easy to access. We always get wage rises which is a really good incentive to carry on working at our best and to ensure we finish our college work.

There are things to do outside of college/work, company activities, I went on an outward bound week with lots of BAE people which I enjoyed. Myself and my work colleagues go playing Golf/Football outside of work/college and we have formed a really tight group. I enjoy all the range of activities that are on offer to myself and my fellow apprentices. We have had a lot of fun.

Yes

For all the reasons above, you are valued, you are treated very well, you get the chance to learn new skills and develop previous skills, you get to develop yourself as a person. I really like being an apprentice Pipe worker and i would highly reccommend it to anyone thinking of applying to an apprenticeship and who likes engineering and hands-on work too.

I would tell them firstly whilst still at school get the chance like I did to do a week's work experience at BAE to get to know what BAE do. The interview I felt was relaxed and because I knew about BAE it made me able to answer the questions. In all just be yourself, respect everybody and show people respect.