Fabrication Apprentice Review

I am an apprentice Pipe Fabricator and my daily tasks involve doing different aspects of Pipe work such as Braising, welding, pipe bending and then writing them up in my work book. I interact with my work colleagues daily and my three tutor's who guide me and teach myself how to do my job. Externally I have contact with other trades in the college, also interacting with staff in the college and canteen. As an apprentice I have a responsibility to be polite, hard working, honest and show respect to others as I am an ambassador for BAE Systems. One of the projects I have been involved in is designing and making a tree for St Mary's Hospice myself and my work colleagues visited the Hospice and spoke to the Manager. Each day I come to work at college I give 100% and do my work and my working assessments.

I have learnt not only new skills but also I have learnt lots of new leglisation. I have learnt how to use hand tools, welding, braising, pipe bending, reading drawing's and other skills, with the Leglisation I have learnt lots about Health and Safety, Employment Rights and Responsibilities and also Personal Learning. I have also re-done my English Exam and have now passed the Exam. I have also learnt skills to communicate well within a team and we have a very close friendly group of Pipe Workers.

I have really enjoyed the 1st year at college doing my apprenticeship. The best part was meeting my work colleagues and the tutors, I feel we have a very friendly close group of friends. The culture of getting up for work at set times and doing night school has been good. The company install In you the way to behave be friendly and respect people. It ahs met all my expectations and I have loved every minute of the apprenticeship so far, it is going beyond my expectations.

I have felt very valued whilst doing my 1st year at college and in work, my tutors have shown me lots of respect and looked after me giving advice and new skills. My BAE Manager is always there for me with any questions/queries and gives us updates and advice. I have had the chance to get involved in tasks and projects and overall I am very happy. I cannot think of many areas of my apprenticeship so far that i would change or slightly alter for the better. i think the system works well and i am enjoying the scheme better than i thought i would.

All aspects have been very good, from the induction which was very highlighting, the training has been excellent and I have developed lots of skills, I have been given lots of support in studying and my mentors have given me lots of advice whilst doing regular reviews and meetings, I understand the hierarchy and everything is well organised. I know that new apprentices come through the workplace and have a really structured programme too which is improved on every year.

My three tutors whilst at college have been excellent in showing me what to do and supporting me day to day. I can ask them any questions without feeling worried, they are very good. They are always there for me and I have really enjoyed it. There was one point where we felt a bit left out (myself and other apprentices) however this was resolved fairly quickly, so this was a minor issue for us for a few weeks but luckily college has changed for the better and we are well cared for and looked after in my opinion.

I get support off my BAE Team regulary, they mentor me and support me each week. I get reviewed on my work and attitude in college and any issues or queries I have I get answered. I know that if i have a problem then i can go to a lot of different employees and colleagues. I am asked every so often how i am getting on as well and if i enjoy my work. Although the guys at work will have a mess around and have a laugh, they have my best interest at heart and want me to be happy at work.

I think the pay is very good, it gives me chance to get myself to work in my car, paying for petrol, paying my board at home and helping me save for holidays and other savings. Because I am a local Barrow lad, College is very easy to access and i don't need to spend much petrol getting there either. I know that the company reimburses apprentices too with petrol costs if the college is a certain distance away from them as well which is a nice thing to do, especially since the college work is funded by the company as well!

There are things to do outside of college/work, company activities, I went on an outward bound week with lots of BAE people which I enjoyed. Myself and my work colleagues go playing Golf/Football outside of work/college and we have formed a really tight group. I think that it is really good to hang out with some people from work as you get more comfortable within the workplace and your working environment too. Getting friendly with co-workers could also ensure you have someone to talk too if you ever need help or someone to talk too about a personal issue.

Yes

Yes I would definitely reccomend BAE Systems apprenticeships based on all the reasons I have mentioned above. You are valued and you are treated very well within the company. You get the chance to learn new skills, develop yourself as a person and meet some really lovely people. I think that if hands-on engineering is not particularly right for someone then their other software and technical or business apprenticeships can appeal to a wide range of people also. I really like being an apprentice Pipe worker.

I would tell them firstly whilst still at school get the chance like I did to do a week's work experience at BAE to get to know what BAE do and perhaps find out which apprenticeship or internship is best suited to your needs and interests. The interview I felt was relaxed and because I knew about BAE it made me able to answer the questions well and confidently too. All in all, just be yourself and respect everybody. Also try to show yourself in a good light and that you have been interested in engineering as well as charity work and giving back to the local community etc.