Manufacturing Technical Apprentice Review

Currently in my apprenticeship I'm working in IEG (Industrial Engineering Group). During this placement I've had many roles such as facilitating the transfer of equipment from one department to another and ensuring its capability. I've visited suppliers observing their new state of the art machines and reported on these findings. My day-to-day activities consist of finding solutions for select engineering tasks, an example being creating a jig to hold equipment in which beforehand this equipment was held in a vice which makes it prone to damage. I've partaken in many projects which relate to the tasks mentioned before, taking control of these projects and delivering a solution puts a lot of responsibility on my shoulders and makes me feel like part of the team.

Currently on my apprenticeship I've gained a preforming engineering operations lvl 2 qualification. Although this was gained through college a lot of my skills I have picked up in the workplace such as learning how to use many programs and software needed for day-to-day engineering tasks. I've also learned the formality within the workplace such as how to word emails correctly and plan events and meetings in a correct manner. I've developed my organisation skills making me a more organised person than beforehand.

Currently I am enjoying my programme very much, I learn something new basically everyday. The team I work with are veterans to the company almost all of them have worked here for 40+ years making them very knowledgeable and extremely valuable when developing my skills. The atmosphere within the workplace is not stressful at all. Everyone is friendly and eager to help especially when your new to the company. The general culture is great, everyone likes to have a good laugh but not let it distract them from their work. This has met my expectations very well and it's only my first placement.

I feel highly valued by my current team and my line manager. I'm able to help my team with tasks cutting the time in which it takes them to complete it giving me a sense of involvement and usefulness. Leonardo takes great value in its apprentices investing a lot into our programme and giving us opportunities to travel the world with the company.

My induction to the Leonardo apprenticeship is that of a long process. Your told everything you need to know and more about the company. You gain knowledge on all the functions within company, for example I am engineering apprentice but have learned about the business side of the company. Leonardo let's you see everything that's going so your never left out. Studying/ Training is mostly done at college but some things you can only learn within the workplace. For support you can really go to anyone whether that's your team or your apprentice manager. The apprentice team reviews all of the apprentices occasionally asking how we are doing and if theirs anything they can do. This is very useful for personal matters. Overall the programme has a solid structure.

Support from my training provider is very good as they try anything they can to get you where you need to be whether that be more support with work in college or more help from your team within the workplace.

While in the workplace I receive a fair amount of support from all my team learning new terms and processes to follow. The team I work with are happy to help and give me guidance on any issues I have.

The package I receive suits my situation very well. Although I live a while away from my work I manage to make it in. Food and drink on sight is cheaper than that on the streets due to Leonardo compensating for the extra tax that would be charged on the goods. Compared to other apprenticeships Leonardo is best I've seen when I was applying and still is the best from the awards and recognition we receive.

Yes we a routinely offered out of work activities whether it be charity work or business events. Leonardo also offers free gym memberships and throughout the company there's 5&7 aside football teams that often play each other. My year of apprentices plays 7's every Friday. I'm also part of the STEM ambassador scheme which consistently offers out of work activities which benefits schools kids.

Yes

Leonardo is a company at the forefront of technology which isn't slowing down. The company offers what most can't as they see the importance of a work-life balance and a healthy salary/package. Being an engineer is my goal and Leonardo wants me to reach that goal as much as I do as it's an important role within today's world. They do everything they can to make sure you love what your doing but at the same time build you up to that engineer status. It's not a boring job, the companies history and type of business gives it a flare. I feel proud working for a prestigious company who not only give back to the community but treat there employees right and acknowledge there commitment.

When applying really take your time to answer the questions you should be in no rush. Prepare for interviews thoroughly researching company history and values. Also don't talk about anything you don't have knowledge about, stick to what you know. When undergoing assessments keep calm and take your time. Better some right answers than none at all. Make sure to ask questions throughout the process. It's always good to stand out for the right reasons.