Technical Apprentice Review

My current role in the company is a Configuration Engineer. My daily tasks include; general change management, creating manufacturing data packs, master record index's and more. We have weekly team meetings and I also have regular meetings with my project managers. I have been made responsible for 2 projects that I oversee from a configuration point of view.

The first 3 years of the apprenticeship we get to go around the company on 3 month placements which allow us to gain lots of new skills and gain information about all of the departments in the company. This means that often apprentices have a better knowledge of the company than people that have worked at the company for years. The apprentice scheme also puts you through a BTEC level 3 course and the company often fund HNC/HND’s or University courses.

I have enjoyed the apprenticeship programme at Leonardo over the past few years and still do as I complete my apprenticeship. I like the friendly staff, the flexible working hours/flex times. I have also been given many opportunities such as being part of the charity committee where we raised £53,000 for Macmillan. The facilities at Leonardo are also very good such as the canteen, the atrium and everything is regularly cleaned and maintained.

I feel like a valued member of staff at Leonardo. I regularly get recognition for my work which is good. I have been awarded with vouchers in the past for going above and beyond on certain tasks. We do have a good culture of giving credit where credit is due regardless of your job title.

on a whole, I would say the apprenticeship has been well structured. At the beginning of my apprenticeship it wasn't as well organised whoever progress has been made in the apprenticeship scheme as well as college. Support is always there if needed from my apprentice managers or NVQ assessor or from my line manager. I have 12 week review meetings with my apprentice manager which helps me progress

Our apprenticeship managers and NVQ assessors are always there if we need them and are always helpful. If they can't answer straight away they will find out and get back to me. They always have a good attitude and are happy to help. My NVQ assessor has given me lots of guidance in my NVQ as well as in my daily work.

My department manager and project manager are always happy to help me in my apprenticeship as they knew that I am learning. There are parts of my job where there are many different scenarios and eventualities so I am always coming across new problems and my manager understands this and is always happy to help and support me.

My salary covers all of my costs such as my train fare to work. My lunch whilst I am at work and also my hobbies and interests outside of work. The apprenticeship salary here at Leonardo is very competitive and it means that I can have a good work life balance. Overtime is also available if requested.

Here at Leonardo we have many different schemes and initiatives such as the cycle to work scheme, the badminton competition and other sporting clubs. I am also heavily involved in the charity committee where we have raised over £53,000 for Macmillan over the last years. We also donate items to a local food bank every January. Being involved in these opportunities has helped me network and gives me skills.

Yes

I would recommend the apprenticeship scheme to anyone who is leaving school because it is a great opportunity to grow, learn, develop but most importantly it gets your foot in the door of a company. It also means you won’t start your career with a debt like going down the university route. The flexible hours, exciting work are the main reasons that I would recommend Leonardo to anyone.

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