Apprentice Designer Review

My job title is apprentice designer, my daily tasks including producing different structural outputs, these outputs can take a number of weeks to complete so you are normally working on a job for a long period of time. My daily interactions are with other designer on my team, the modelling team and engineers. My responsibilities are very minimal with me being an apprentice. Everyday I will load in the current model in which I am working on, and open the output I am currently work, I will look at similar drawings for guidance and what needs putting on each output.

During my time as an apprentice I have learnt lots of new skills, some of these include my NVQ level 3, National certificate and PEOs. These are all the qualifications which I am either working towards or have already achieved. While at work I have completed a number of training courses, these courses have taught me how to use different elements of foran, doing this courses as allowed me to be able to use the cad program.

I enjoy the programme different amounts depending on the day, some days there is no work for you to do which makes the day very long and boring. As apprentices move around teams some teams are a lot better than others, as some will talk and help you were as others wont, making the experience not enjoyable.

The amount of appreciation from managers is normally low, the only feedback and appreciation you normally get from them is during the 12 week reviews. Internal recognition is given via the form of apprentice of the month, and when on completing your apprenticeship the apprentice of the year awards.

The training programmes are structured in a good way, there is support available for if you are struggling with college work. 12 weekly reviews are in place, this is a one on one meeting with someone from the early careers department, in this you can tell them how you are getting on, and if there is anything you need help with, if there is they will make sure this is put into place.

There is support available while at college, tutors are always available to give help and guidance with both issue with college work, and issues with people at college. Normally when you go and ask for help and guidance the attitude of the tutors is good and they will take the time to listen to your issues and try and put actions into place to try and resolve them.

The amount of support from my manager is normally high and if there is an issue they will try there hardest to be able to help.

My salary just about meets all my costs, with me living a 30 minute drive away from work I have to drive in daily, so my travel costs are a lot higher than the other apprentices who live close by. I am in a few different sports teams so my socials costs are normally quite high every month, however having a full time job allows me to be able to go to these clubs.

There are a lot of different opportunities while outside of work, there are a lot of different sports a leisure clubs around, these are very easy to find as they are normally on facebook or other social media. With living so close to the lakes there are a lot of different events which normally take place during summer.

Yes

As BAE Systems is a world wide company which is able to train you up into many different job roles, you can even go to do complete a degree while working, completing education this way allows you to be able to earn money while you learn and develop your working skills.

While completing the application process I would say get other people to check and read through your application for spelling mistakes. In the interviews I would say to try and stay calm, and think about all questions asked before answering. For an assessment days I would say don't be scared to put your ideas out there, however also allow others to share there ideas and take it all on board.