Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

As a 1st year Engineering Higher Apprentice, I go to technical engineering college to study for a HNC in Mechanical Engineering. In this, I study various subjects that will applicable in the various roles and placements I'll be offered after completion, such as Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. Lecturers that teach us these subjects also have many years of industry experience, ranging from military engineering careers to naval architects. I work with my colleagues to complete our assignments and help further our independent work, such as our Project unit of our HNC. In general, I spend my day to day studying and furthering my knowledge to complete my HNC and help prepare myself for the workplace.

I have learnt a variety of technical and personal skills in the 1st year of my apprenticeship. I am expected gain a Level 4 HNC and a Level 2 PEO just after this year, and by the end I should gain a Level 4 NVQ. If I perform to a high enough standard during my HNC, getting an overall grade of a Merit or Distinction, I can be put forward to study for a Level 5 HND, which will take place on day release over two years. So far, I have learned how to use 3D modelling software, how to operate machine tools such as mills and lathes, learned hand fitting techniques and producing components, learned about health and safety in and around the workplace, learned about Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Analytical Methods (Maths), Electrical Science and how all of these are applicable to real world problems, learned about computerised machining, programming using G-code and other self learnt skills, developed during the course of the Project module. In my project, I have learnt about Aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, biological applications to physics, expertise around 3D printing, and project management.

I highly enjoy the apprenticeship programme I am on. The studying I am doing is very interesting and applicable to the industry I am set to work in. The group of apprentices I work with are very like-minded, intelligent and enthusiastic about performing to the best of our abilities, and as we have different levels of knowledge in various areas of engineering, we all learn from each other and further ourselves. The company is very focused and stresses teamwork between all members. It has met and surpassed all my expectations.

Our managers do make sure that that we feel appreciated, and make contact with us semi regularly. As we aren't on a work based placement yet, we don't receive any internal recognition, but we do receive external recognition in the form of feedback from the training providers. This also means we have no involvement with any work placed projects.

The apprenticeship is very well organised, with clear and distinct parts to the entire programme. Our first week was spent on induction, where we were introduced to where we were based, and performed activities to get to know the other apprentices and did safety training. As our current placement is not in the work place, we dont have any work tasks to do, so it is just focused on studying. Alongside this, we have 12 week reviews, which view our performance during the apprenticeship. After the first year, the next 3 years are on placement, working on projects for the company.

The lecturers provide advice and additional help to those who ask and need it, and anyone is capable of getting the extra help. They also run facilities for more personal problems if they may be applicable, and all members of staff and friendly and supportive towards our needs.

The manager does keep semi regular contact with us, and are supportive of our needs, such as holiday and problems getting to the training provider in sever weather conditions. The HR team are also supportive, and were helpful during our transition into the company and providing benefits from our placements, such as discounted items and changing addresses.

The salary from the 1st year is excellent and above what most other apprenticeships at this level offer. My costs of living are low as I live from home due to my close proximity to the training provider. This also means that my travel costs are low relative to my wage, which allows for more money to be allocated towards daily costs such as food and social costs such as events planned by the other apprentices.

We have had various opportunities so far for activities outside of work. We have visited various BAE bases, each with different expertise in different areas. We also have visited engineering conferences, to see how the industry is developing, and more fun based activities, such as a Powerboat challenge, which involved creating a powerboat and racing it against other companies. Alongside this, apprentices across the programme meet up for social events.

Yes

BAE provides an excellent course for aspiring engineers, based on the technical, and personal skills gained, based on the workplace environment and attitude towards work, and based on the people you would be working with.

Be sure to begin writing your application as early as possible, in order to continually improve or add to it, to make it sure its as impressive as possible. The interview/assessment day have a relaxed atmosphere, and the recruitment staff understand that this will be the first time many of the applicants will have been interviewed for a job of this nature.