Engineer Apprentice Review

My role as an engineering apprentice on a day-to-day basis consists of shadowing qualified engineers to learn new skills, whilst shadowing I get the opportunity to gain hands on experience by being able to carry out work where it is suitable to do so.

During the first few months of my apprenticeship I have been focused mainly on mechanical engineering and improving my hand skills, doing this has enabled me to have a more logical outlook on tasks and has given me more confidence in applying my skills to jobs. I have also gained my MEWP license which I found rewarding on completion.

I enjoy my programme on both work and college days, I find that whilst at work the teams that I work in give me a lot of their time to help and improve me as engineer and often do more than I would expect of them. I feel that I’ve been welcomed into the area and feel a part of the team.

I feel valued by the company as I used to work in production but had always wanted to get an apprenticeship in engineering. For the company to give me the chance to move into the engineering department I felt very valued and lucky to get the chance to follow my career.

I feel that my programme lacks structure and this could be improved, I am aware that my site also feels this and are looking at ways to improve in this area.

I feel that my support from my training provider is good. I enjoy the days that i'm away from site training and feel that my Tutor is always pushing for me to achieve highly.

I feel that any issues I have are sorted out promptly which is good. I also feel that my mentor is approachable and will listen to me with any concerns I have and is very flexible in terms of requirements I have.

For an apprentice wage I feel that the package is fair but as I am not a school leaver and have my own house and a family I find the wage low and quite hard to live on. This sometimes puts external pressure on me.

As I live in a rural area there isn’t much in the community in respect to recreational activities, my time out of work is usual spent with my young family.

Yes

They gave me an opportunity of an apprenticeship in an economic climate that wasn’t strong. I feel the team I work with genuinely want me to succeed and enjoy working with me and teaching me new skills.

Dress smartly as i feel first impressions matter. I would also say be confident and just be yourself.