Mechanical engineer Review

My role within MBDA is to assist with department based activities as the apprenticeship I 'am on is a technical support engineer. Daily tasks include assisting with managers and other department members or being delegated my own piece of work to complete by myself. This helps give more independence with my work.

I have gained a variety of new skills such as my use of CAD software which has allowed me to be more useful throughout the business. in addition MBDA has helped me adapt my personal skills such as teamwork, communication and presentation. MBDA has given me the opportunity to gain a variety of important and useful qualifications such as NVQs,HNC/HND and possibly even a degree. finally MBDA offers a vast amount of training that I can request. this training can be used not only to better myself but better the company such as a learning a second language.

I really enjoy my programme I am given complex and challenging work that fuels my drive and eagerness to learn. On top of this I feel respected and appreciated within the departments giving me a strong feeling of job satisfaction. I also enjoy the diversity of my programme with me seeing a new department every 3 months it allows for me to experience the whole business rather than one section. finally the programme itself has gone beyond my expectations as upon joining I didn't think the work would be overall important to the business but this was quickly changed when I was continually giving new and exciting work that had real purpose to MBDA.

I feel very valued at MBDA. upon joining each new department I am made to feel welcome and included in all the department's activities. The company also offers both internal and external Recognition such as the MBDA recognition awards which are hosted every year. Additionally MBDA apprentices are able to win external awards based upon their work at the company. All of this combined allows use apprentices to have a strong feeling of vale and motivation to complete work to a high standard.

The programme itself is very well structured as support and training is provided whenever it is needed. In addition MBDA uses a mentor system. this system offers new starters a chance to meet and discuss any problems they are experiencing with more experienced and senior members of MBDA. The programme consists of a variety of 3 month long placements. This gives the employee a feel for the departments purpose and allows for a lot to be experienced. This organisation allows for the apprentices to gain as much knowledge as possible about every area. The time allotted for college as well is very well structured as it allows for additional qualifications to be met without compromising work based activities.

At MBDA we receive a lot of support from our training provider as they meet with us every 4 weeks to assess our work and make sure we still feel comfortable at the company. the training provider is very accessible as well if needed we can email, phone or set up meetings with him to discuss any problems. The general attitude of the training provided is positive as they make it feel like they want us to succeed which is why there is a really good support network.

We receive a very strong amount of support from the company. For example managers are always willing to assist with any problems the apprentice is facing within the department. This is one of the main reasons I feel valued at the company as the amount of support offered is incredible. From a HR point of view MBDA has strong support for its employees with HR being very attentive to our problems and offering different paths to follow to solve problem. In addition the mentor system offers a very strong amount of support as they can talk about any topics and sometimes will offer their assistance with any work the employee is struggling with.

The salary is very reasonable and competitive in this economy. I am able to pay off all my living costs, social costs and daily costs with the salary provided and still have enough money left over for a healthy deposit into my saving accounts. This salary is also boosted by other pay incentives and discount offers here at MBDA.

There are a variety of opportunities outside work as there are many company clubs that support and organise external activates such as theatre trips and more. MBDA also takes part in company related activates e.g. RAF Air shows and charity events. These events can be signed up to as soon as possible and they help develop teamwork and communication with others.

Yes

MBDA is a very fun and enjoyable place to work in my opinion all the benefits both financial and personal make it a very good place to work. I would recommend this to a friend because it would be an offer too foolish to pass up especially with the qualifications gained from the apprenticeship where you can work and learn at the same time.

When applying for MBDA make sure to present yourself as the best you can be. I would also say to take it seriously and try your hardest with interviews and assessment days. If its not taken seriously then the chances of getting in are low and would therefore be a waste of time.