Technical Engineer Review

I am a technical engineering apprentice currently working in the structures department. My daily interactions include a daily meeting where work is allocated/ assessed. My current job is to analyse load data from specific flights of the hawk aircraft, which in turn will give us data for the structure of the aircraft this is then mirrored onto finite element modelling and thus we get a fatigue index .

I am currently studying towards my HNC in my second year where my modules include, mechanical principles, fluid dynamics, project, materials and thermodynamics. studying each of these subjects has given me a broader knowledge of the engineering industry. In my department I have a set out plan which will give me a comprehensive skill set on static/ fatigue stressing, FEM, dynamics, and structural integration.

I enjoy most aspects of the programme, the work I get given is of use and is interesting enough to keep me focused, the people I work with are kind and supportive and push my abilities to further my skill set. the company is very supportive also and it has many benefits, now I am in my fourth year I couldn't imagine a better way to start out in a company.

I do feel partially valued, however in my second year I had the opportunity to apply for the German exchange programme, so I did, I went to my interview and absolutely nailed it, however I felt like I wasn't given the opportunity because of the site I am based at. This was rectified the next year although I was no longer in scope to go. In addition to this I was chosen to go to Qatar to teach some STEM subjects as this was an opportunity I didn't want to miss, I put a lot of time into researching the culture and creating a the STEM packs for the country even having the vaccinations for the trip. Communication was poor and I was later told it had been postponed and had no communication since.

The programme is very well organised: the first year is a great way to get a taste for general engineering and does help you chose your trade, although I am aware this has changed now and is no longer as useful. The plan however does get a technician around most disciplines in engineering which is a good way of networking and I do feel confident around the office if I need to delegate with another department.

[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is our assessor and really can't do enough for us, he makes it around to see all the apprentices every week providing support or information when needed. we have 12 weekly reviews where he asks if we need any extra support, if the work is okay and if we have integrated into the department. I have a lot of time for [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] and feel like he couldn't give the apprentices any more of his time.

As I have only moved into this department today there is not really a lot to say as my management structure has changed, my new manager has given me an introduction to the department and seems approachable if I have an issue, the HR team is really second to none, I've recently had a period of safeguarding meetings due to poor mental health, the level of support and guidance really helped.

overall the salary is good but that doesn't mean I don't struggle, I currently rent a house with a roommate, he doesn't work so I do struggle with bills, rent and food meaning I have only one good meal a day, however subsidised lunched do help although the prices are going up a little faster than I can handle.

In the past there has been a lot of events outside of work but this was primarily for the sites centenary, not much else happens now however I have been involved in some voluntary work for the local community and would always be game for more however it is a pain having to take the time off work as it is voluntary thus the reason I haven't been involved because where is the recognition for all the work I put in?

Yes

firstly, the money, for an apprenticeship scheme this is one of the best paid, the training is also fantastic as I can solemnly say that my training was to a high standard and I have a colourful skill set because of it. There is such a mix of people that you work with everyone has something to share and there is no greater feeling than being part of a team.

Be different, stand out from the crowd, research the company and show passion about working for such a prestigious company in its industry. don't panic about the interviews because the interviewers are just your average Joe/Jane, we're all engineers and only want to see people succeed. I would like to have been told that the opportunities you get are fully dependable on the site you apply to (I don't know if this applies anymore but IMO you do not get out what you put in, you could work your socks off and still have the same opportunities as those that do bare minimum).