Operator Review

I currently work as an operator on the shop floor. I manufacture products which varies between mechanical and electrical engineering. I usually shadow a skilled operator and once confident on the job complete one whilst being observed. I change placements every 3 months so I can gain an understanding of all areas with in the manufacturing sector.

I am currently completing my 1st year HNC in electrical engineering. I have completed an ONC in the same course. I am also currently undertaking a NVQ levels 2 and 3. When I first started at MBDA I did several courses: IPT training, health and safety, security awareness and a life skills course. I have gained a lot of skills also by working alongside skilled employees a feel much more confident working on the job.

I really enjoy my job as i feel i have gained a lot of new skills and experiences which i wouldn't if I'd have carried on in further education. I also like the idea of earning whilst learning as it allows me to have nice experiences outside of work. MBDA as a family culture and everyone is willing to help with any problems and always answer any questions. i Really enjoy my apprenticeship especially at MBDA.

As we move around every 3 months i have lots of experiences with most managers within MBDA. They all value apprentices and understand their importance. As an apprentice you can get involved with several projects e.g/ charity challenge and the work experience programme. These allow you to have more impedance and pride in your work.

MBDA's apprenticeship is very well structured. You begin with an induction week were you discuss health and safety, security, meet managers have site tours etc. You then visit Stevenage for an interaction week were you meet all the apprentices and graduates from all our UK sits. you then start training which leads to working on the shop floor.

Our training provider is alliance learning. we completed a portion of a training here which included both mechanical and electrical. They also support our NVQ. we have regular NVQ meetings with our training provider were they go through our log books and offer us any assistance. They are very helpful and are always willing to help with problems we may face.

The support MBDA offers to apprentices is very good. You can always ask people on the shop floor, team leaders, manager, the union or the HR team. Again they understand the importance of apprentices and realise how valuable we are. Again any problems we face can always be answered by any of the above.

MBDA has a very competitive salary. this more than covers living costs, travel costs etc. As an apprentice you are subject to annual pay rises, due to the how well you perform on the job and in are place of education. You are also subject to an annual bonus dependant on how well the company preforms.

They are several events which run outside of work which apprentices can get involved in. For example: air shows, careers events, awards nights etc. Also there is charity challenge which run a lot of events outside the work place. The apprentice community always go out outside of work for food and drinks etc.

Yes

i would recommend MBDA to a friend as it a an excellent company to work for. they offer many benefits such as the wage, pension and training. You can gain many qualifications through MBDA and also develop social skills.

try and make your application form stand out. Do things in your own time to better your CV. Bring a portfolio to the interview so you have a talking point and evidence of points raised.