SMT Technician Review

Within the first year, the Monday would include a BTEC day which was dedicated for important subjects such as Electronic Principles, Math's, Health + Safety, Drawing, Communication and PLCs. The rest of the week would be within the workshop, this is where skills were learnt for our placement, this involves a rotation of Electrical, Electronics, Metal Turning + Milling, Welding, Pneumatics and Hydraulics. The second year is on our placements using the skills learnt from the first year, and two day releases back to the college where we would learn further Math's and continue the coarse.

I have developed my existing skills in Electrical and electronics which I had already learnt from work experience and school. The use of Milling and turning is are new skills that I have learnt and barely touched on in school. Welding is a new skill that I have which will prove useful within my time at Siemens. Pneumatics and hydraulics are new skills which have already proven useful at the time of starting my 2nd year.

At first I expected the program to be BTEC everyday with one of workshop. As a person who learns through practical lessons, I was slightly disappointed. I also expected that it was only going to be a few Siemens apprentices and many BMW apprentices. However, it was reverse, it is workshop everyday and one day of BTEC which is best for my type of learning, there wasn't only Siemens and BMW's, there was also RAL, which allowed for there to be a wider range of people and experiences. Overall I Have very much enjoyed the apprenticeship so far and would encourage anyone to try an apprenticeship.

At Siemens, I feel that as a person with my existing and old skills I am appreciated by my fellow teams and managers. They give me challenges and a range of opportunities, not only at work, but with finding information which will allow me to strive. My efforts at college and at Siemens have been recognized.

The program has been structured perfectly for me as a person who learns best through activities. The BTECs system is good and it also provides extra learning which is given to you if you so choose. The teachers feel like real people and have a proper determination for you to learn to the best of your abilities, which I feel is not present at schools, college and 6form. However, there are times in which the program feels sloppy, such as the next topic or module. Or the amount of time given to the user during workshop time to complete objectives.

I get plenty of support from the tutors and the people of the Birmingham metropolitan college, these put together Extra math's lessons or resources to aid us. Their attitude towards our learning is Firm and good.

My managers do visits to the college to make sure that we are on track and to give us any further opportunities to stay on track. The HR Team also helps out with any questions I may have when it comes down to the payslips or working hours.

For someone that still live with parents and doesn't own a car, my salary is good to keep me happy and to be able to pay my parents for rent.

There are many opportunities outside work which I am tempted in joining, such as the Gym and the German speaking classes. Besides these, there are many more which also sound interesting as well.

Yes

Because I feel that ever since I've joined their team, it was the best decision that I have ever made. The employers / managers are friendly and supportive, and gives you plenty of time to learn new skills.

For those who wish to join, I would suggest doing some engineering / electronics clubs, to give you an idea what you're going to be doing. It also looks good on your CV. It is important to stay calm and treat your future managers like any other person you meet, when you're in the interview process. They expect you to be slightly nervous, however, if you can conquer those nerves it shows to them you can operate under pressure. It is not always the answers that you give to their questions that make their judgment, its is how you come across.