Combat Systems Engineer Higher Apprentice Review

1 year of studying HNC Computing, 2 years of 6 months placements (4 days a week) and studying HND Computing (1 day a week) and a final year of an anchor placement(5 days a week). The first year is studying full-time at a college and taking extra vendor courses such as CISCO CCNA. Second, third and fourth year consists of choosing from a various selection of roles available in the sites. The roles can vary between software-based to hardware-based depending entirely on what the work consists of. The work involved on a day-to-day basis relies on the role whether it's developing a program, setting up configurations or setting up a physical kit.

I have taken CCNA 1 AND CNNA 2 modules for networking and currently working on CCENT along with doing a quick Juniper course. I learned Windows Server Administration, Python, and Linux through vendor courses and Programming, Systems Analysis through HNC/HND Computing. Throughout the placements I have furthered, currently furthering and learning new skills: Becoming familiar with hardware - Being able to build kits and having good cable management whilst taking environmental, safety and security factors into consideration. Becoming familiar with working with programs and scripts where issues have been raised and I need to identify where the problem lies in the code, find a fix, implement the fix and record it. Learning more about the business as a whole and the teams within business units, what the purpose of each team is and how their work relates to mine and the final product. Working in a professional environment - there are always procedures and regulations that must be followed in order to produce high standard products.

The programme allows me to reach out to areas which I have not touched before. Although I came from a mathematics background and being familiar with computers, I had a lack of knowledge for programming and hardware; The programme allows me to break down barriers and enhance skills that I already have. As an apprentice it's essential you rely on your team members to guide you originally but as time passes you notice your rapid progression as you ask less and less questions and work out how to find the answers yourself. Overall there is great satisfaction in being able to see the amount of progression you make and the work you contribute to the company.

You are a valued member of the team from Day 1 in the office. I have not had a negative experience in regards to the office environment and the people within the company.

The college is separate to the work placements and has a different structure to the placements. In regards to the programme as a whole it is structured in a manner that allows you to experiment for 2 years in 4 placements and find roles that really interest you. The final year gives you a year experience and helps you decide/confirm whether it is the role you wish to remain in.

There is sufficient support from the training provider whether it is your Line Manager, Team Leader or a Technical Authority. They can provide you with assistance in regards to general business help such as managing days and workload or work specifically related to the role. Generally upon getting started in a role, there's a few weeks of shadowing or reading preparation documents which requires concentration and gathering in a lot of new information. They assist you when you do the work and eventually they can trust you to maintain performance and do it independently however they are always available to assist if needed.

The Line Manager who manages the apprentices provides up-to-date information related to the apprenticeship scheme to keep you updated with upcoming useful events and advice. Whenever there are any issues, there is always a first point of contact.

Good progressive salary and multiple sites to work around the country.

Within my home site there are company events outside of work such as socials and sports.

Yes

Positive experience and great progression in career.

Preparation and passion is key. Prepare by understanding what the role consists of, what the company does as a whole and what sort of skills are required. Are the skills something you are passionate about and willing to enhance further? Good communication is an essential in a business environment where teams are involved. During the application process, there are preliminary tests to see whether you are cable of answering STEM questions and some English language questions. In the interview and assessment day, it's normal to be nervous however try to be yourself and don't be afraid to talk. Simply chatting to the employees before the interview/assessment process can help calm you down and you may be able to learn a thing or two. Try not to be too modest, it's all about selling yourself but knowing your limits.