Apprentice Mechanical Designer Review

As an apprentice designer I use computer software to design/move different things in the model 4 days a week and attend college on day release once a week. I internally discuss jobs on a day to day basis with my team and other colleagues from different departments. I am responsible for the work I do.

I have learnt lots of new things throughout my apprenticeship, I have become more confident talking to people and my apprenticeship has also boosted my confidence with regards to the work I produce. I have had lots of internal training that reflects my new abilities to complete tasks. Being in the workplace has helped boost my professional skills which in favour has helped me become more involved in the business. Once I have completed my apprenticeship I will have an NVQ in Mechanical Engineering and hopefully a HNC too.

Within my apprenticeship I move teams, therefore I have found that I enjoy some teams and the work they do more than others. The company and apprenticeship is what I expected it is just a lot more demanding than I expected and it allows you to be very involved even as an apprentice.

I feel the apprenticeship programme ensures your good work is recognised and rewarded- this is normally through the apprentice of the month award. Everyone I have worked for including my team and other colleagues are always happy to help and are always very grateful for the work I produce.

My programme is very well structured, I move placements every 5-6 months and I have a set college day which I must attend. Training is varied throughout the apprenticeship as the training you need is different to which team you will be working on. Support is always there and is very easy to access, with either business work or college work. My team hierarchy has a Project leader and then an assistant project leader; I also have my own line manager therefore there is always people I can talk to if I am unsure about my apprenticeship programme.

I feel support is offered more from BAE Systems than Furness College itself. Some of the lectures are very willing to give support and time, but others I do not feel are as keen to give up their time. There is always guidance with problems as there is a BAE representative at college if needed.

BAE Systems provides me with lots of support, I feel 99% of the time the people I am working with or contacting about a job are generally happy to help me and give up their time for me. I have a review every 12 weeks and in this review support is always offered for college work. This is available all the time but is checked upon in a review. The company also supports me by putting me through training more or less before I start on a new team/placement to ensure I feel comfortable beginning the work.

I live very close to BAE Systems and Furness College therefore the travel costs and living costs don't really effect me. The salary is very good for someone my age and the pay rise being subjective to achievements in work and college is a good incentive to progress and learn more. The salary for me is very good as I still live at home, however an apprentice a bit older than me with a house and a family may struggle if this one wage is the only income.

There are lots of opportunities outside of work for me. BAE encourage us to sign up for external events/STEM days which lets us get involved in the community whilst also learning and working. I have completed a beach clean whilst in the company which was a voluntary event and I have also completed an outward bound trip which helped improve my people skills.

Yes

I think the company offers a good stable apprenticeship that you learn a lot in and it sets you up for a good career (for me in engineering) for the rest of my life. If you are willing to put the work in the company will reward you and you will be able to progress and move up the ladder.

I would suggest when applying to pick an apprenticeship you are interested in, be confident in your interview do not hold back and enjoy your apprenticeship if you are lucky enough to be offered one. Make sure you are able to work as part of a team in your group task on your assessment day and when presenting your presentation in your interview be sure to pick something you know well and can answer questions/talk about.