Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

My current role is as an Auxiliary Systems Engineer for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship. This involves taking ownership of a ships system and taking on the responsibility of seeing the system through from design to build. As well as owning a system, there are many other tasks that are carried out. I've currently taken on the task of ensuring all the parts that the auxiliaries team use are at a mature stage, with drawings and data from tests that have been carried out etc. As well as this I've been taking a part in the change side of the team, which involves writing Change Requests where the changes are explained in detail, justified and the impact of the change worked out such as weight change, spatial impact etc., detailed to show an overall picture of what change includes.

Throughout my placements I've been able to build up a broad engineering knowledge across the 6 placements I've spent a minimum of 4 months in. This has involved getting an understanding of HVAC , Power and Propulsion, Test and Commissioning, Auxiliary Systems, Liaising with Build to solve issues that arise and Test and Commissioning. As well as these I gained an understanding of the 3D model and how the schematics are translated into the model. However, these placements have also developed skills such as communication skills by having to efficiently relay engineering information to relevant people and work with a range of different people and personalities. I've also developed my timekeeping and organisational skills as throughout the apprenticeship there are many different things to be balanced such as STEM events, taking on the position of Chair of the Apprentice Council, writing logbooks, College days, studying while also taking as much on the job learning as possible and being on top of the range of tasks for the placement. The biggest improved skill I've learned however is computing skills. I'm now able to use excel more efficiently, using formulas, pivot tables as well as an ability to navigate the 3D model, route pipework and extract information from the model etc.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the programme as it has provided a broad range of placements and learning opportunity's. By spending the first year of the apprenticeship in college full time, it allowed us to concentrate fully on our Engineering Systems HNC and through this decide which route is best suited to us (electrical, structural, mechanical or systems engineering). As mechanical was my strong point, my placements around the work place for both second and third year were tailored to this and the 6 different placements allowed me to see the different stages of the programme, from the Stage 1 environment where the engineers design the system and output schematics, to stage 2 where the schematics are then transferred and integrated into the 3D model. Then the Liaison team where any problems that occurred at the build were brought to the engineers to resolve quickly, in a fast paced environment and then Test and Commissioning, the last stage before the ship is handed over. The range of placements has contributed considerably to my enjoyment of the programme.

The apprenticeship programme is supported by the Early Careers team as well as the management within the placements and the teams in which you work in. Therefore there are multiple points of contact for any issues that arise. There are also reviews every 12 weeks to ensure you are progressing and that you are getting the standard of work that you should and that you are balancing the workload between college and work etc.

The structure of the programme through years 1-3 is very clearly communicated from the beginning of the apprenticeship. 1st year being full time college, 2nd and 3rd year being 4 month placements within the business and day release to college. However the organisation of the 4th year anchor placement wasn't communicated as clearly. We were aware that it would be a year long placement where we would then finish our apprenticeship on and remain in the team after our time served however there was no understanding of what options would be available to us. The selection process for the final placement was rather unstructured and unorganised however the rest of the apprenticeship was clearly organised and communicated.

We have recently had a change in training officers and haven't had much interaction with the new training officer as of yet. However our previous training officer provided us with any support that was require. He would check in on the college every month or so, drop by our placements to see how we were getting on. As well as this we had our standard 12 week reviews. If we had any issues with not getting enough work in our placement, not getting the support we needed in college etc, we would raise any issues with him and he would look into the issue and get it resolved.

Our employer provides us with work and ensures we are taking on a range of tasks to get an overall understanding of the work carried out by the team. Our manager also attends our 12 week reviews and provides feedback on our performance and any skills etc we should be looking to improve on.

Our salary is a huge benefit to the apprenticeship as it increases each year that we are on the scheme and is a very good salary for an apprentice. We also get the annual bonus each year that the employees get. The salary meets the lifestyle of an apprentice allowing comfortably to pay off mortgages, cars etc.

There are many opportunities outside of work such as STEM events. During our apprenticeship we get the option to partake in many different STEM events such as the innovation challenge, the schools engineering challenge, career events as so on. There is also the opportunity to attend award events and take part in things such as the apprentice council.

Yes

The structure of the apprenticeship by combining the placements and the academic learning is a great way of the learning and gaining experience in an engineering environment while gaining a very good wage for an apprentice and the opportunity to continue studying after the apprenticeship to gain a degree financially supported by the company.

Make the most of the experiences provided throughout the apprenticeship, such as STEM events and visits to other sites and keep in contact with each team you have worked in. Also, to feel confident asking questions continuously about every task no matter how silly and take notes of each question and its answer.