Engineering higher apprentice Review

My role changes every four months as I move around the business at different placements, in my current job in the design office I spend most days sat at my computer doing different drawings or models for a variety of different ships. I am responsible for my own drawing packs and have to manage my time accordingly.

I have learnt a lot of new skills that I never had before joining this placement. Mostly on using the software systems that are used in this office. I have also learnt how to conduct meetings, how to communicate better as well as much more. I have had the opportunity to do training courses to improve my skill.

I really enjoy my programme, the general course itself as well as the other apprentices that I work with. I feel like we get looked after and I enjoy getting up every morning and going to work which for me is a big thing.Its bettered my expectations and I have been given opportunities that I wouldn't of been give anywhere else.

I feel very valued. As apprentices I think we get a great wage, better than almost anywhere else out there which is always nice. We get to do STEM activities and are given other opportunities to better our careers. I think the management team is good and help us where they can.We are also given recognition when we deserve it.

We have had a few issues with our manager going off on maternity leave which has meant sometimes things can take longer than expected to get sorted but this is life and with people trying to cover each other and learn a new job role then there is going to be a few issues. However any issues that have arose have been sorted.

Our training provider is CEMAST college and they have been great to us. Anything that needs sorting has been sorted at the principles priority. I think this is important to our education and the efficiency of the course running as smoothly as possible. Any questions we have the door is always open.

I think we get a satisfactory amount of support from our employer, like previously stated with our main manager being off then its been more difficult than usual and the people covering have done the best job they possibly could. Overall I think the support has been ok it could have been worse.

I think the pay for an apprentice is very good, better than other apprenticeships out there. In terms of it meeting my costs I think I am slightly different to everyone else. Living on the Isle of Wight and having to get a boat to work everyday is very demanding as well as very expensive. I spend a lot on travel which is frustrating.

The biggest opportunity out of work that I have had was still with work was outward bound. A week of team building in the lake district with all the apprentices from different sites around the UK. A great week full of fun with your friends and it doesn't really feel like work at all.

Yes

I already have recommended friends. I told them how good I thought the apprenticeship was and they have applied to join in September. I think all round its a great experience as well as a great apprenticeship. We get a good level of qualifications which should help mould our careers in a positive way.

Always try your best during the online tests, throughout the application process and through the interview days. Try to be confident and not to be too nervous, just be you and everything will play out how it should do. Try to explain the things about yourself that will help your application in a positive way.