HTA Mechanical Engineering Review

My job title is HTA (Higher Technical Apprentice) in mechanical engineering within the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) sector. Daily tasks include working on Autodesk software with the design of mechanical equipment such as ductwork, doing all sorts of airflow and cooling calculations as well as CPDs for my own personal development.

I have both learnt new skills and developed existing ones in which i have developed my communication skills as i have to interact with my colleagues on a day to day basis as well as going on a lot of courses to develop my undrstanding and skills on mechanical engineering, i have completed full qualifications too at college. i have learnt so much about what my sector at work involves as well as personabvle skills like communication.

i enjoy my program a lot, i feel i work well within a team both at college and my colleagues on a day to day basis. i enjoy working in such a big company such as Siemens as it is up to date in terms of technology and is a very friendly and professional place to work. it was above my expectations as i didn't think i would enjoy it this much.

Although Siemens is a very large company to which some people would make the assumption that no one is as valued as they should be etc, i have felt valued even as an apprentice. i have received appreciation forms from my line manager and other employees. i got 'championed' by a colleague for my work on the design part of my work on the projects Siemens have in place and it felt really good. i have also been involved in tasks where i have been valued.

I feel like the programme i am on is very organised and structured. there was an induction and the training that has been available to me is very good. i feel supported in every aspect of my work life and i feel it is very well laid out in terms of hierarchy and task delegation. again, the training is a good indication of the structure and it is very good.

i receive a lot of support from my training provider, we get along great and i feel like he offers a lot of support. i feel as though if i had any sort of question regarding my training or my programme he would be ready to help and he would help in whatever way he could. we have regular meetings and appraisals so the meetings where i could ask for any support is there.

i feel as though i have a lot of support from my employer too as my line manager is always very supportive of any sort of training and tasks i want to get on to. the HR team are supportive too. i feel as though i can always ask for support within my team or my discipline and they always have a good attitude when it comes to offering me support or being there for any questions.

The salary is okay regarding the costs, however as i live 70 miles away i have had to relocate and rent in Manchester while i finish my apprenticeship in order to be on a better wage for something a bit more long term. the money is a little tight as i have to spend it on rent and travel costs. however i appreciate we are apprentices and there are certainly jobs with worse pay out there. the wage structure is very good with increments

There are many opportunities outside of work as Siemens, i think, offer two days off of work for volunteering purposes which is really good when you take into consideration of all the people who work here been given two days off to volunteer, it would soon add up. but as far as i am aware Siemens is very good in voluntary work and in the community such as the roller coaster challenge which i am partaking in.

Yes

I feel it is a great company to work for with massive benefits and opportunities to progress. they look after their staff with good bonuses and good benefits throughout the company. I feel Siemens offers a lot of support to its employees and has the employees voice in mind. i have thoroughly enjoyed my year and a half in Siemens and i feel i am a better person and a better educationally than when i started.

i feel like i would tell them to try their hardest to get into Siemens and to get into as many assessment days as possible. it is a great company and lots of opportunities available.