Operations Apprentice Review

Every day I am with either an experienced operator or engineer. I am currently on the shop floor with a skilled operator. My day starts at 7am and ends between 3:30 and 4pm. Throughout the day I work on a set job/ task that the skilled operator I am with has been given. Depending on the task given my day can range from looming to soldering etc. I have also taken on extra responsibilities and so my day also consists of arranging meetings and planning for an Early Career Programme Forum.

I am currently developing my academic skills through the apprenticeship by working towards a BTEC in electrical engineering, a level 3 NVQ and after my first two years I will be working towards a HNC in electric engineering. During my first three months back on site with the company I worked towards completing a dynamic cabling course and I also completed my IPC qualification. The first two months of my apprenticeship I was based off site at our training provider and during these months I was taught basic engineering skills. I learnt new skills such as welding, milling, turning etc.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme provided by MBDA. I enjoy working with every individual I have come across and feel as though the company is very warm and welcoming. I have enjoyed working with the teams that I have been lucky enough to have been put with. I also really love that there are so many extra activities/ projects that ECP members can get involved in. Taking part in some of these projects has given me a great sense of satisfaction and I have loved every minute of it. The programme has met my expectations and in some areas has excelled itself. I am greatly enjoying my time as an apprentice at MBDA.

I feel like a valued member of MBDA. My manager / lines managers appreciate me and the work that I do. I feel as though they trust me to complete any tasks I am given. I have been given a lead role in a project I have recently taken on to organise an ECP forum. Despite only being a first year, I have been greatly included in things and feel valued by all involved with what I do. I have been internally recognised for the work I am doing for the ECP forum.

The programme is very well organised. There is an excellent induction week when your first start which really integrates you into the company. You then go off site to learn basic engineering and I feel that this really sets you at an advantage for when you start back on site, I also feel it allows you to get to know each other as a year group and to develop your confidence within the industry. Once back on site you spend three months training to a high standard in cabling and soldering. The teaching and the structure of this training course is second to none. Once a week we attend college to work towards a relevant qualification. There is a wide net of support available for apprentices whether that be from managers / team leaders / operators / engineers. The scheme is very well organised and there is plenty in place to ensure that each apprentice succeeds throughout their time.

We receive plenty of support from our training provider. Every few weeks we have a meeting with our LDO to ensure that we are on track and to provide us with further work to complete. Our LDO is only an email away and replies very quickly and gives us in depth feedback to ensure we know what we are doing. Our LDO also ensures that we are ok within work (not just our written work) and provides us with help and advice should we need it.

I receive a great amount of support from my employer. Despite my manager being based at a different site she is only a phone call / email away and does anything she can to ensure that we are well supported. She always makes time to have meetings with us should we want one with her. On site there a multitude of managers who are there should we require their help / advice. The managers / team leaders at MBDA are not just there for when you need them , they are actively checking up on their apprentices to ensure that we are thriving. Each apprentice when starting is assigned a buddy and this is a great way to ensure we have a support network amongst ourselves. There is always someone at any level who is there to help and support you.

Me salary meets my costs very well

There are so many different external opportunities from school events, career fairs, charity challenge events etc. There is also a company football club and many events that aim to bring all employees together.

Yes

It is such an amazing company to work for. Not one day have I come home and had a rubbish day. There are so many great opportunities available and the scheme is second to none

I would say gain as much relevant experience as possible to make yourself stand out; this could be work experience to soldering a circuit board to show on interview day. Be enthusiastic and do your research to show them just how well you have got to know and what to know the company!