Apprentice Mechanical Engineer (Craft) Review

Apprentice Mechanical Engineer (Craft) Machining components on CNC machines for industrial gas turbines. Also assembling industrial gas turbines, as well as maintaining plant equipment. I speak with my mentor and other colleagues daily in person, as well as speaking with management staff in weekly meetings. I regularly have to email other employees in Siemens regarding work I am undertaking on site or at college. I am responsible for producing components to a high degree of accuracy, as well as correctly assembling industrial gas turbines. This counts as evidence towards the completion of my NVQ. I am also responsible for the health and safety of myself and others in my area. A project I have taken part in as the redesigning of a fixture for remanufacturing old gas turbine casings on at the Teal Park site.

I have gained several qualifications since starting at Siemens, some of which are: - NVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations - BTEC Level 3 Mechanical Engineering (Manufacture) I have also undergone several training courses: - Employment Rights and Responsibilities - Manual Handling Training - Pedestrian Stacker Training - Pendant Crane Training - Asbestos Awareness - Working Safely (IOSH) - Abrasive Wheels - Introduction to Gas Turbines I feel my professional skills have increased with the daily practice I am gaining at Siemens. I know how to compose emails to both my peers and superiors, as well as being confident enough to problem solve when IT systems aren't working correctly.

The work is quite satisfactory on the shop floor. This is because you can physically see and measure the progress you've made. I feel like I'm part of a strong team where I am working currently, also all the apprentices in my year keep in touch with each other outside of work and we organize to do stuff together. The company culture is a good one, we believe in a zero harm on site and so everyone feels safe. The company also strives to help all the employees be healthy, by introducing new schemes such as free fruit and health check points around the site. The apprenticeship meets all the expectations I had from going to careers events and presentations about it. I am currently enjoying the program I am on.

I feel that most managers appreciate having apprentices in their areas. This is because they know how important it is to have new skill and knowledge in their departments. We get rewarded for anything we do that exceeds what's expected of us by the company. There are 2 different reward systems that Siemens runs, they are the 3I system and Champions Award system. 3I's are suggestions for improvements that can be made, and champions awards are something you get nominated for when you excel or do more than is expected of you.

The apprenticeship is extremely well organized. Induction is 2 full weeks on site, learning about what the apprenticeship will entail and receiving training as well as PPE. Training is full time at the local college for first year, Siemens is heavily involved with this as they are the main funder for the engineering department. After this first year, you return on day release for the remainder of the apprenticeship. Whilst at work you rotate through different placements every 4 months, picking up new evidence for your NVQ. You have monthly meetings with your NVQ assessor, as well as bi-monthly meetings with training supervisors and managers.

All lecture notes and resources can be easily accessed from home via the computer, so on that front we are well supported. The tutors are always willing to offer us impartial advice about our careers or college work, as well as if we have any troubles at home. The college could do with hiring more engineering tutors though, as they are a bit thin on the ground.

We receive massive amounts of support from Siemens. They are always willing to put us on training courses, so long as they are of benefit to both us and the company. We can easily get support from our HR/ management team through email and phone, or even going upstairs to see them. We see our mentors on a daily basis, so they're always there for any questions we may have. People are always willing to lend a hand, and help you progress.

My 3rd year salary meets the requirements I have in order to comfortably live in a rented flat, with a good car. I also have enough left over in order to save for holidays, or days/nights out with my friends. We also get employee perks such as discounted cinema tickets, and travel/ accommodation.

Yes there are plenty of opportunities to take part in company events and voluntary schemes. These are emailed to us by our HR team, as well as being made readily visible in the Volunteering Portal on the intranet.

Yes

It's a large company with lots of opportunity for progression. It's also a globally recognized name for excellence as well as technological expertise. If you're willing to put in the effort, you can go as far as you like with them. They will quite likely put you through a degree if you prove you're capable, and are applying for a job where one is required.

Get some work experience in a similar field to what you are applying to work in. I did my work experience in a machine shop, which I believe helped me out a lot in the interviews. You should get someone with experience to check over your application forms before you send them off. Don't put anything on your application that you haven't actually done, the interviewers will ask questions about everything you have written on your forms.