Apprentice Review

As an apprentice in my first year I spend most of my time at college, 4 of these days I study a Level 2 NVQ in performing engineering operations. Whereas on that other day I study a BTEC Level 3 in engineering. When not at college we gain on site experience at Siemens where we perform tasks set whilst being taught how to use the machines. All the days are full of interactions with people and you can be set responsibilities to perform tasks correctly on your own.

Through the apprenticeship I am continuously learning new skills and have developed different ways to use my existing skills. The first year of the apprenticeship you gain most of the qualifications at college which are needed to complete the apprenticeship. To be able to perform tasks on site there have been training courses set up, for example manual handling. From my time at college I have learnt how to use milling machines, centre lathes and how to perform fitting techniques.

I enjoy the programme a lot. I have found that the interacts with others and working with new people has developed my social skills. This meaning not only am I developing engineering skills but also skills that help in everyday life. So far the apprenticeship has met my expectations exactly, and that is great as it means it's how I wanted it to be.

When on the Siemens site I feel more valued as to when I am at college. On site you feel more a part of the Siemens team. Performing small tasks for managers for example finding missing parts or labelling them I never mind doing as the managers always show their appreciation as it saves their time. When at college we are still tracked on our progress and praised for good work. I do feel valued the majority of the time.

From the very start the apprenticeship seemed to be well structured and still to this day it is. The first 2 weeks of the induction progress got all of the apprentices to know each other, the staff and more about the company. Throughout that we were put on work placements to work shadow and gain experience, as well as going through training courses. The main people who keep track of us apprentices are very supporting and are easy to talk to. We always have meetings 2 weeks to ask questions and to give feedback on how we are getting on, but otherwise there is always a mentor on site for us to speak to, and it is easy enough to email the apprenticeship coordinators. I am pleased with how well the programme is structured to benefit everyone.

We receive a lot of support no matter whether we are on site or at college. College tutors are always there to speak to if we need support, have any questions or need to speak to them for any other reason. It is very easy to do this. In addition to this is it easy enough to email the apprenticeship coordinators if we have any additional questions. Response to problems or questions are usually very good and helpful and I never feel like they reply briefly just to get it done with.

On site from managers I receive support when needed and I do not feel scared to ask. The HR team are very helpful and provide a lot of support as well as our designated mentors. Support is always easy to find and gain no matter if I am at college or on the Siemens site. If I have any problems the guidance for this is good and the problems are usually resolved quickly. No matter what the attitude towards supporting us always feels welcome.

As a 17 year old with near to no outgoings the salary works well for me. It is enough for me to be able to pay lodge/rent and have some to save/spend. Siemens help provide cheaper transport through stagecoach so my overall cost for the bus works out to be £17.50 which is great. The salary works well for me at my age but once I have more things to pay for e.g a car I may not feel the same. The location I am in makes it cheaper to keep getting the bus.

As a first year apprentice I do not feel like there has been many opportunities for us outside of work like company events. Although I know of the apprentices further through the apprenticeship have had more of these opportunities. Although at the start of the apprenticeship we got to go to the engineering part of Lincoln University.

Yes

It prepares you for life, gives you qualifications and work experience.

Put in all of your effort as it will pay off.