Multi-Skilled Engineering Apprentice Review

I am currently working as a Product Engineer supporting other functions, teams and the shop floor. The majority of my tasks are desk based, looking in to system information and helping those who need it, but I also have a very good variety of hands on work. One of my main functions that I support is the flow line and with there being thousands of options available for our generators we haven't made every configuration before. Most of the new options simply work together but some don't. This is where product engineering will provide support to find a suitable fit for the generator to meet the customers specifications and also preform as expected. As we have an apprentice group we are also involved in a project together. Currently we are restoring a 1930's Merryweather Fire Engine which used to belong to Stamford town, but now belongs to Burghley House. This has been a brilliant project to be involved with.

I have learnt many skilled whilst I have been with CGT and been put on many courses to improve myself as well as my work. The training consists of: Crain Training, Manual Handling Training, 7 Step Problem Solving, Electrical Safety Training, Hand Tool Operation (working in a workshop with lathes, mills and various hand tools), Creo Panoramic training (3D Modelling) and I'm sure they'll be more to come.

The apprenticeship has been a fantastic learning experience for me, learning all about generator and engines, there operations and what things need to be considered when running a project. It have been one of the best choices I've made.

Cummins has a great culture and ethos within the company and you do feel valued when you put in the work and help people out. I have great opportunities to improve my own skills in things that are of interest to both me, and the company.

The programme is structure well and yet flexible to what I want to do. I have the chance to go in to all the departments form operations, materials, engineering, manufacture engineering, customer support, quality and a few more. It has given me an insight in to how each team works and operates allowing me to experience all departments before I make a decision on where I would like to end up.

My college has great teachers who have a genuine interest in what they do and support where I need it. The training provided is good with all my questions answered.

Support is always available to me from colleagues, Human Resources, my manager and my union. Any issues I can speck to the relevant party and the issues are sorted.

The salary is a substantial amount compared to most apprentices and covers all my travel and living costs.

There are quite a few opportunities available outside of work for team meals and evenings out. Cummins have a great scheme called 'Every Employee, Every Community' which allows us to go out and help anyone or any projects in the local community each week or year depending on the size of the project. One example is the Green Power project where we go in to local schools and teach the children how to build and design go karts for them to race round a track at the end of the year. This is in the hope to encourage young children to look in to STEM based careers.

Yes

This apprenticeship has been a fantastic experience so far and I think it'll get better in the years to come. I also have a good change of going in to a career that I an interested and because I have explored other departments I know it's the right one for me.

When applying, be yourself, be eager to learn, don't worry about mistakes but to own up to them if they happen, have the confidence to ask questions and explore your options.