3rd Year Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Review

I am currently a Tooling and Packaging apprentice. I am expected to complete daily tasks such as completing drawing and part models on CAD, create new designs and think of new ways to solve problems. I interact with my team around me consisting of 3 other people. I also may have to ask the Creo(CAD) software team for advice if a technical problem occurs. I am responsible for ensuring problems are solved accurately and effectively and that drawings are accurate and correct. I have been working on a project to solve a problem that has been on going for over a year and needed to be sorted. I have reached the stage where the customer are happy with my solution and it is going forward into further development.

I have since starting my apprenticeship gained a Level 2 Engineering NVQ award and a Level 3 Engineering BTEC Diploma award. I am also currently studying Level 4 Mechanical engineering HNC. Whilst at work I have had numerous training courses, the first being within the first couple of weeks joining MBDA on how to use Creo, since then I have had loads related to work I am undertaking in placements and all the necessary courses to ensure I am safe at work. During my apprenticeship I am constantly learning new thinks and discovering new ways of doing things. Each placements varies and has a different band of skills to be learnt.

I enjoy working with new people and bonding as a team and seeing improvement in how we work together over my placement. I enjoy seeing my skills grow and tasks become easier and work become more complex and technically challenging as I progress to ensure I keep progressing. MBDA has a great way of handling apprentices as everyone is always keen to get apprentices involved and to help them if needed.

As an apprentice at MBDA my work is always appreciated especially when it is to a very high standard. When working in a team your are always accredited for the work you carried out and never overlooked. I always feel valued and a key part of the team.

The programme is very well structured. You are inducted within the first week of the start date. given a site tour, safety brief etc. Basic training on how to use the companies different administration systems and a basic overview of the way in which the company works on a daily basis. You are given time to complete NVQ work and also college work help is available from people around you if needed. When a task is set your manager makes sure that you are set a fair amount of work. they understand you are an apprentice and are learning as you work so may take longer to complete tasks than normal employees. Despite being an apprentice your opinion is always heard even by those far higher up than you and your voice can easily influence those above you.

When I have training it is usually as engaging as possible. you are also given contact details for the tutor so that if further assistance is needed after the training you know where to find it. Tutors are always keen to help you out if needed and will always try and find time to give you 1 to 1 help on a problem. Training can be very enjoyable and rewarding.

Although we are expected to be as independent as possible, sometimes assistance is needed from my manager. if you ask you will get assistance. HR are always there for problems that may involve them. At MBDA you do get a mentor for the first year, however I did not ever needed to ask mine for help however I do know of other that did and that they are very useful as they know exactly what it is like to be a new apprentice at MBDA.

The salary is fair, the pay rises are a great incentive to do well at college. However the pay is no where near enough to move into a small flat and gain independence on you own like you would be if you were at university.

There are endless opportunities outside of work such as school visits to give talks to pupils. House of commons tours, voluntary days away, development courses. There is also a gym and many sports clubs set up through work, running clubs at lunchtime etc.

Yes

Because the company is a easy place to settle into, everyone is keen to improve and help each other out. As an apprentice it is a great company to learn the skills needed to become a reputable and skilful engineer.

Be confident in what you know and believe, show uniqueness, don't be afraid to show how you are different(hobbies, interests, background) it all counts. Talk to people around you, they are most likely waiting for you to do so (you are not the first apprentice to ever join MBDA they know what to expect).