Advanced Technical Apprentice Review

Training at the Academy for Skills and Knowledge. Undertaking works in hand fitting and machining, electrical and electronics, CAD and 3D printing. As well as training in SHE (Safety Health and the environment) and areas such as Business Improvement Techniques. During work we are provided with multiple projects (3 per task area), each of which provide multiple areas of evaluation and provided me with plentiful relevant training.

I have substantially developed my skills in hand fitting, with the use of manual tools and machinery. I learned to use CAD and 3D printing software such as Autodesk, Catia, and CURA. I was challenged with producing CAD models from the UK Skills show. I learned the principles and regulations surrounding electrical installations, and developed skills in producing electrical installations and electronic circuits. I will gain a Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering, and the associated knowledge that accompanies this.

I train with a wide range of training materials and facilities which provides me with an enjoyable and educational experience. The staff and my colleagues are knowledgeable and their company is enjoyable. The company has a very positive culture and looks after its employees, providing incentives. The work I was performing was directly linked to work done in the business, thus my work felt useful.

Frequent learner progress reviews, with in-depth tutor feedback, allow me to assess my progress and allows me to understand my value to the company. The company provides incentives for their employees including bonuses and pay rises at learner milestones, such as; in house, Further Education, and end of year completion. My assessors provide continual assessment opportunities which allow me to see my progress and the ways in which I benefit the company.

The new trailblazing style of training has come into practise and as such is new and unknown. Despite this the company provided a structured course with realistic, yet challenging, deadlines. There was a good balance of training to assessment, and support was provided where necessary. Training provided by Longridge Teaching Centre was well structured through the use of assignment deadlines and learner progress reviews. Exams also featured in this course.

At the Academy for Skills and Knowledge in Samlesbury our training provider is Longridge Training Centre. Throughout the assignments in college I have been given the support I needed. If you are unsure about anything you can ask your college tutor and they will be happy to help. For every assignment there is a formative assessment were any mistakes are highlighted for you to adjust. Each assignment has feedback to help you progress and improve the quality of work. Finally, if you require additional support the tutors will put on extra lessons at the end of the working day.

Throughout the apprenticeship I feel we receive all the required support. During the first year of the course we receive 3 probationary reviews where your progress is being reviewed and made sure it is adequate. In addition, every 12 weeks we have a learner review during this you can bring up and additional help required, helping further your experience of the apprenticeship.

Currently we are based at the Brough site but for the first year we attend the Academy of Skills and Knowledge in Samlesbury. We stay in a pre-paid hotel from Sunday night to Thursday morning. We are given all necessary expenses that are needed throughout the week. We receive pay rises per annum and once we complete our training.

We are provided with multiple opportunities for growth outside of work this includes community projects and outward bound. During outward bound we completed a week long residential to improve our communication and team working skills. In addition, this improved our problem solving as well. This was beneficial to us and the company as it brought us together.

Yes

This apprenticeship opens up a lot of opportunities for engineering and learning throughout the course. It is also a great learning opportunity whilst being able to acquire work experience on your placements. All the instructors are easily approachable and all want you to succeed. Not only does it help develop your existing skills but also teaches you new skills.

Have a good project to impress the interviewers and make sure you know all the technical terms to describe the making process. Make sure to research the company’s heritage and know what products they make. Prepare all the common interview questions before going into the interview this will build up your confidence and make you come across better in the interview.