Fabricator Review

I am a pipe fabricator, daily tasks are to fabricate pipe systems and eventually joining them together using fittings with different techniques such as brazing and welding etc. We have the responsibility to get our work done that is needed for us to complete write ups, observations and taped discussions which will go towards the evidence in completing the apprenticeship.

Throughout my apprenticeship since the start in 2012 i have gained a NVQ level 2 and 3. I am currently on the HNC bridging course which is the National diploma in further education which will hopefully lead me onto the HNC if the funding is available for someone in my job role. There are specific courses I have learnt internally with the company such as the lokring and swagelock courses.

I enjoy my programme. When first getting into the company it is difficult to get things done because you don't know many people or what's going on but once you make new friends and get to know your squad then its very enjoyable. The workplace has met my expectations of what i thought it would be like. I think the company has definitely met my expectations of them during my apprenticeship so far

I feel valued by all members of the particular squad I am on once they get to know me better and begin to know what I do best as an apprentice. This then leads the team leaders onto giving me my own job to complete which means more responsibility and the tradesmen/women then can give me help when i ask for it. Not all managers tend to get involved as much as team leaders with the apprentices, may be because of their work load?

The structure of the programme is good. In my year training was something that the company lacked. This has now been brought up at various meetings and there are implements in place to get more shipbuilding training organised for the future apprentices. The college at the time did an overall NVQ level 2 and 3 for people employed by various companies, not just BAE Systems. An internal training school is now being run on various days throughout the week. Due to the high number of apprentices it can be hard to get hold of the apprentice co-ordinators to sign parts of your workbook off or get them to come and watch you do a job (observation). This has been brought up various times at meetings so something should be done about it.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider. Even though he is very busy looking after 60 other apprentices; he still finds time to mark my work and get jobs organised for me. I can't fault all the help at work as it is always given when asked for. If a particular person cannot deal with your problem they always make sure to point you in the right direction to someone else. Very happy with my current situation at work, especially with another 60 apprentices needing help too.

All problems are dealt with greatly by the company. At this moment in time I haven't needed to get in touch with people teams such as HR and other people but as an overall understanding there a willing to help the best they can. As mentioned in the previous comment, I am always given help when I need it and if someone cannot specifically help you then they point you in the right direction or to someone else who could maybe help rectify a problem at work.

My salary sat the moment meets my costs well as I don't have many outgoings other than petrol and a couple of bills. I fully expected to be on a low wage when starting as I understand the apprentice minimum wage is a lot lower then that of full time employees. Compared to other businesses in the area, BAE wages are pretty decent and as I said, meet my costs and I also have some leftover to save or buy something I want or go out with my friends etc. I have been told about wage rises in the future as well which is good.

There are many opportunities outside of work such as STEM days where you compete against other colleges in building something within a time scale. Trips abroad to help the third world countries. I did not expect there to be as many opportunities as there are at work when I first started my apprenticeship. Im very grateful for all the different trips and opportunities I am presented with and im glad I can get different experiences with these trips as well.

Yes

It is a recognised company which try to help you gain qualifications if there applicable to you. As an apprenticeship it gives you a really good understanding of work life and what is needed of you as a tradesmen/woman as you are learning for 3-4 years. The salary is really good compared to that of other apprenticeships in businesses. They treat apprentices really well and the training they pay for is good as well. I would definitely recommend it to a few people I know who are unsure of their current career.

Write down everything you know about yourself including the weaknesses, people think this is a bad thing but it is good to be able to identify your own weaknesses and what you need to improve on. When taking an interview don't get nervous and find out as much as possible about the company by speaking to people who work there or through the website. Ensure you are up to date with the news and BAE Systems as you could impress any interviewer with talking about what you know about the company and current events etc.