Technical Apprentice Review

I'm on the Technical Apprenticeship within Leonardo and this has allowed me to complete 3 month rotational placements before selecting a final placement in which I will finish the apprenticeship. As I am now in my final placement, I am given a lot of responsibility and really enjoy my daily tasks. I have also had the opportunity to be involved in several fantastic projects that allowed me to get involved with the surrounding communities.

I have learned and developed so many different new and existing skills during my time in the apprenticeship. I have gained several college qualifications as well as completing different internal training courses. My interpersonal skills have come on tenfold since starting the apprenticeship and continue to improve all of the time.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the apprenticeship, even through all of the different rotational placements. My colleagues could not be more supportive and considerate of all the extra activities I am involved in through the apprenticeship. All of the opportunities I have been given over and above my rotational placements have been really enjoyable and engaging.

I feel very valued by Leonardo and an integrated part of the team within my department. My apprentice management team have regularly recognised the extra curricular work I have been involved with, as well as the business as a whole recognising it. I organised a large event last summer and got great recognition throughout the company for it.

The apprenticeship as a whole is very well structured. There is an up to date placement plan available to everyone. The apprentice induction was PowerPoint heavy when I went through it, however, it has now been updated and seems much more hands on. There is a huge amount of support available from both the apprentice management team and throughout the company should it be required for college or SVQ work. Task delegation is decided by the department so varies for every apprentice but my experience has always been positive and I have always had plenty of work to get involved with.

Should you ask for additional support, the apprentice management team are very quick to do everything they can to give it to you. They are also very quick to respond to any questions you have and if they are unable to answer it, they will direct you to someone who can. I have an SVQ assessor who is always on hand to also answer any questions I have and ensure I am on track with all aspects of the SVQ portfolio.

My supervisor in my department is very quick to offer any support/guidance I require. He is really good at foreseeing development opportunities and getting me involved in as much as possible. He also works to ensure that I am not doing anything too repetitive and mix up my daily work. My department and the company as a whole are incredibly understanding and allow for plenty of time to get involved in extra curricular activities.

The starting salary for someone who has just left school is good and allows for travel costs etc. However, as you progress through the apprenticeship, the salary doesn't increase as I would have hoped. As Leonardo is in Edinburgh, living costs are high and it is difficult to save for a deposit for first time buyers on this salary since you also have travel and daily costs on top of this.

There are both company STEM events and social events on outwith the working day. There are both girls and boys football clubs available as well as organised department lunches/nights out. The apprentice and graduate communities often organise their own days/nights out. There is also an annual party every October for the whole company to attend.

Yes

I would recommend Leonardo to a friend because it is a great, nurturing and inviting place to work! The apprenticeship scheme sets you up with so many fantastic technical and interpersonal skills that you wouldn't get from university. Leonardo itself is a great environment to work in, the people are enthusiastic and the products themselves are fascinating.

I would tell them to ensure they study the product portfolio before any interviews/assessment centres as it creates a good first impression that you are truly interested in what the company do, not just what they can do for you. Ask all of the questions, it allows who you are working with to gauge your level of understanding and it shows that you are engaged and interested as well. I would also tell them to be polite and be themselves as that is the best way to create a good impression within the business and stand out amongst other apprentices. Also, go for all of the opportunities you can, you never know what new skills/knowledge you will be able to take away from them.