apprentice test technician Review

i work in manufacturing hall A, where lasers and advanced targeting systems are produced. the product I work on is the apache laser where I am responsible for aligning, building and testing the laser. I also carry out thermal, vibration and leak checks on lasers as well as help out on other contracts

I have learned a lot during my time in the manufacturing hall, I have developed my fine tuning skills as lasers are very sensitive so only very small adjustments are needed to achieve the desired result. I have also improved my communication skills since I interact will the people in the department everyday.

I enjoy the real work in my department such as working with lasers. However I do not enjoy dealing with the apprentice management team as they blow small problems such as giving notice for holidays way out of proportion and ignore big problems such as college lecturers not turning up.

i feel very valued by my department as I am given a lot of responsibility and I am trusted to work independently. I am made to feel like the work I progress has made a difference and I am made to feel like I am helping with the workload of the department.

The programme has some structure, apprentices rotate around various departments to give them an idea of what it would be like to work in them full time. Then the final placement situation arises where apprentices and departments choose who will be working where. However the college side of the apprenticeship has little structure and feels unorganised

I do not receive as much support as I would like from my apprentice management team as I have raised a few issues about college organisation and my SVQ assessors lack of progress in the assessment of my work, on both occasions I was told it would be looked into and on both occasions nothing had been done

My employer, my department give me lots of support. I am asked on a regular basis how I am doing with the work, if I am enjoying it and I have been given time to do SVQ work such as log books and knowledge questions as well as college work when I have needed it

The salary does meets the costs I have at the moment as I am good at budgeting money. However the salary will not allow me to move out of my parents house and get a place of my own as I am simply unable to save enough of my wages due do costs such as traveling to work

There are lots of volunteering opportunities outside of work such as for charities or for community events such as the robotic games. The company is also involved in lots of STEM activities so there are plenty of volunteering opportunities. Some departments play football during lunch and after work which apprentices are always welcomed to come along to.

Yes

Leonardo has a very wide range of job opportunities available from desk based/ office work to in one of the manufacturing halls. The work environment is relaxed and the employees are well looked after by occupational health and the health and safety department. Also flexible working times are available to almost everyone

Tips I would give are to think about situations that you could give in examples during the competency based questions at the interview stage as this is what I struggled with. It is also a good idea to make a note of any extra awards you have gained outside of school such as the duke of Edinburgh award.