Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Review

I am a mechanical engineering apprentice, I am on a 4 year course, first 9 months were college based and after that I have been leased into random placements around the business, some being mechanical and some being business. The work load and roles change depending on the placement, right now I work in procurement and my day to day activities range from comparing new supplies and raising purchase orders and checking BMS Document scopes. I have also visited suppliers etc.

I have plenty of recognised qualifications and training that are internal to the company, the overall qualifications from the apprenticeship are low. my personal skills have improved with confidence and speaking as well as humility.

the program is good because there is a large range of work to undertake and find what best suits you and what role you may want for the future. the teams vary and always keep you on your toes. MBDA has a fantastic working atmosphere.

That feeling changes depending on the department and the level of work you are undertaking. There is a lot of internal recognition and MBDA are good at identifying those who are keen and try hard.

The HR side is the down side, the apprentice program is massive and many get forgotten about. For example the new starters are continuously forgotten and the management is poor

Very little, the college is sub-par and does not try to get the best out of you or motivate you. It is in fact a demotivating atmosphere.

The boss, is very busy more or less all of the time. But she is very good at listening and getting things sorted for you when it comes to it

Salary is great, I have moved out and am starting a career/life for myself. Obviously if there was more, I wouldn't complain.

So many opportunities for apprentices to get involved in, however events that come from the boss usually go out randomly and is consistently more based with the graduates and business apprentices rather than the engineering apprentices. Saying that there are loads of clubs and socials to go to where no one discriminates.

Yes

the scheme is great as it allows you to find yourself in a massive company and see where you fit and where you can go. it is a very good and professional company with many opportunities to progress.

you need to be interested in MBDA and anything else to do with aviation etc and have a job and aspirations already.