Mechanical Engineer Apprentice Review

Job title: Mechanical Engineer Apprentice Daily tasks and responsibilities all depend on the placement we're in at the time. These placements last either 3 or 6 months. Consistent tasks that occur regularly include: sending and replying to emails, communicating with members of the department and managing college work.

During the scheme we gain various qualifications. I have already earned NVQ L2, functional skills, industrial awareness and my first year of BTEC L3 in Engineering. Internal training also includes ESD training, health and safety, CAD (Creo) training and life skills/personal development. I have not only learned a lot about myself but also how to work effectively in a professional environment.

The work depends on the placement but is generally interesting. My current team are really enjoyable to work with, both helpful when I have a question but also have a great sense of humour. The company culture is great, they really seem to provide a lot of extra support and social events. I take regularly go out with the Climbing Club. I am currently meeting all expectations. Sitting at a desk all day can be very boring. Currently looking at different career paths for when I leave the scheme.

Just another cog in the machine... Manager seems to focus a lot of her time on First Year Grad and Apprentice work as this is where most support is needed. This has left certain apprentices with the view that she doesn't care about the older years. Seems to have a work load too large to be doing tasks to the best of her ability. Company invests a lot into the site and personnel which does create the sense of being valued.

The programme seems organised from the outside. However in my and previous years we do not know what our career paths will lead. It would be preferred if we knew what placements would be open to us for when we leave. I currently have not idea where in the business I will finish in... Rarely have meetings with my manager or mentor.

The college (Oaklands Welwyn Campus) is staffed by what seems a collection of untrained, unskilled and uninterested tutors. (With a few exceptions [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] This obviously reflects into our own attitudes. It seems most apprentices enjoy college days more as a day out of the office and not due to the excitement of learning something in a great environment. Looking forward to not having to go back. Have done some personal development courses with the Development Company run by [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]. A really interesting and engaging style of training!

During placements we receive very little from our main manager. We do have easy access to HR and all have a mentor from a higher apprentice year. We all have a network of people both inside and out of the apprenticeship scheme we can contact for support or with problems.

The salary is enough to support my current living costs and I plan to be able to move out this September. The new starting salary has allowed 1st year apprentices to live independently if they whish.

We have lots of opportunities outside of work. These consist of volunteering with STEM or recruitment events mainly. The company also has the sports and social clubs that include many activities such as climbing, football and hockey. We have an onsite gym with daily classes as well.

Yes

If they are interested in this type of engineering I would recommend it to a friend. It would have to be made clear on what it is generally like on a day to day basis.

The application process and assessment period is better run than many other companies and you do get a real understanding of the company. It is important to be confident but not overbearing during interviews and assessment tasks. For the interviews it is good to have a hobby that can relate into the company. For example interesting in RC aircraft or a cadet organisation. The interviewers were very relaxed and tried to get the most out of people.