Apprentice Technician Review

I am currently completing three month rotational placements around a number of different departments throughout the business. These placements vary from office work, completing tasks at a computer involving engineering drawings etc, to working in a production hall environment. This helps keep the scheme interesting as I am not spending too long in one place and also allows me to build up a diverse set of skills.

As explained above I am currently completing rotational placements throughout the business, building a diverse set of skills as well as building on existing skills from college and school. I have developed my people skills through training workshops I assisted during my time in the IT department, developed my ability to interpret engineering drawings and instructions through my time in a Test Systems department and also learned a wide variety of hands on skills during my time on the shop floor (production hall).

Due to the nature of the programme there are departments I have been in which I haven't completely enjoyed and which I feel were not as beneficial to my personal development compared to some of the other departments on the plan. I have been able to change future placements in the past, however with a new intake of over 30 apprentices I fear that any departments laid to me now are set in stone. Overall I have enjoyed learning at work, most of the placements have been beneficial and the work has been very diverse.

During my time at Leonardo there has been countless opportunities to get involved with a wide variety of comities, forums, charity events and project groups involving both apprentices and other members of the business. I have felt like a valued member throughout of the business throughout the scheme, constantly reminded that "we are the future of the business" and that we've got to keep the place afloat to pay for everybody's pensions. During my time in one of the production halls I was thought to be of a suitable ability to come in and do overtime unsupervised.

The structure of the rotational placement programme could use improvement. There doesn't seem to be any logical thinking into our rotational placements, some people feel as if they have been given multiple "bad" placements where as other have been rather lucky in that they have been given a number of busy replacements in succession. I feel that this can sometimes effect my moral and my outlook on my career here as I am unlikely to attain a final placement in a department that I have not already been in. Other than that the programme is structured well, day release at college breaks up the week nicely whilst helping to bring into context what we do here. There is always support from the apprentice team as and when I require it.

Most of the lecturers at college are happy to assist in any problems we have regarding tests, reports, assignments etc. Most of the units have been delivered at a good pace with sufficient background knowledge for us to understand the concept behind the calculations. Again, most lecturers have been helpful when it comes to assessments, narrowing down the possible topics that may come up in the test and offering advice regarding remediation and resists. One topic in particular, Statics and Strengths of Materials, has not been delivered to the same standard. I feel like the lecturer sometimes spends too much time, going into too much depth in explaining the theory behind the calculations and as a result we have been rushed in learning one of the more complex modules of the unit, leaving ourselves no time for class revision. The lecturer has expressed the fact that he believes half of us will fail the exam and then another half will fail the resit which doesn't fill me with much confidence. I also feel like the more complex units have been squeezed into the same semester for some reason where as the 1st semester of 2nd year contained very basic subjects in comparison. In future I believe it would be more beneficial for students to sit either Logic or Statics in semester 1 alongside business awareness.

My manager is always happy to help with any queries I have and has even arranged for the placement plan to be modified at my request. I cannot fault the entire apprentice management team, they are approachable, helpful and supporting in every aspect of the business. We are constantly reminded that extra help is there if required, all we need do is ask. I feel like the apprentice management team would benefit from having another member who has an engineering background, ideally time served within the business, to oversee the placement plan amongst other tasks.

I feel like my salary/package currently is sufficient at meeting my living costs however I am unable to move out at this moment in time, I feel as though if I lived on my own or with friends the current salary would not be sufficient. I am situated fairly close to work and so do not spend much on travel expenses.

There are countless events taking place within Leonardo or the surrounding areas which I am encouraged to get involved with at the monthly and quarterly apprentice meetings. I have been involved with a number of different events to date including; Rampaging Chariots, Woman in Engineering day, Peebles Science Fair as well as other on going projects.

Yes

The apprenticeship scheme offers a good insight into the various different work areas throughout the business and allows individuals to build up a diverse set of skills and knowledge. The competitive salary and benefits package makes it an attractive alternative to university. I would warn the individual that in future, apprentices may not have as much choice in terms of final placements as business demands increase with an aging workforce.

Make sure that you have a genuine interest in engineering as it will show at your interview. Answer the application questions in as much detail as possible and include relevant examples that you have completed at school, college etc. Be prepared to show your team working and problem solving skills at the assessment centre. Apply for work experience to Leonardo prior to applying and if you can have a member of staff to refer you to increase your chances. Good luck!