Technical Apprentice Review

My role in Leonardo is a technical apprentice in the mechanical department. My daily tasks will involve creating CAD models and drawings and making changes to previous models and drawings. My daily interactions will be with various engineers in my department and possibly others, I interact with a team lead every day to ensure we are both happy with the progress of work. I am currently not working with one specific project I work with a variety and my responsibilities are to ensure I am carrying out my work to my best capability.

I have learnt and developed a variety of skills during my apprenticeship. A few examples of these skills would be machining, soldering, 3D modelling, creation of drawings and electronic testing. These skills have typically been picked up in departments where I have learnt from someone else rather than going on a course.

I would say I enjoy certain aspects of the programme, such as working in my department I enjoy, however working on my SVQ I do not enjoy as much.

In Leonardo as an apprentice you are made to feel highly valued, a lot of the people working in the company used to be apprentices themselves, hence they have a lot of time and respect for the apprenticeship programme. Apprentices are constantly given praise for there work and extra activities that they carry out such as charity work.

The programme is fairly well structured however I feel there is a lot more room for improvement. The six months at the beginning I feel are a bit irrelevant from what you will be eventually doing in the company however it does give you skills of basic engineering. Then once in the company I feel the three month rotational plan is good however what departments get used needs reviewed as there are a few which offer minimal work to an apprentice.

I receive a high level of support from my training provider, they are on hand if I need any assistance during my work. I am surrounded by Mechanical engineers which are happy to help me in my work when required. If I have any issues with my training whether that be college, SVQ or actual work, then I will always have someone I can approach for help.

The employer is highly supportive such as the training provider, if I require any help in my development as an apprentice then I will always have someone I can approach whether that be the apprentice manager or my line manager. I have never had to have much contact with the HR team so I don't really have an idea of how they are.

The salary package as an apprenticeship is very competitive in comparison to other apprenticeships. My monthly wage is able to cover my cost of commuting to work from fife to Edinburgh daily. My cost of living is minimal as I still live with parents. The wage enables me to enjoy my money and use it for social purposes, so I would say it covers my lifestyle very well. I do commute in a car share though so if I were not in a car share I am not sure this would be the same case.

In terms of charity events there is a lot that you can do with the company as we are linked with a variety of charities and are always encouraged to help out. Also with the company you can be a STEM ambassador and this will give you a chance to help out with your local STEM events.

Yes

I have recommended the apprenticeship to a friend already and they are in the apprenticeship now. I recommended the apprenticeship because the apprentice salary is good and the company as a whole are good to work for. The company offer a variety of perks such as flex time for working. The company also are good for getting you qualified as I am aiming currently to achieve a HND.

Don't feel intimidated by the assessment centre as it can be. There will be a lot of people at the centre however they don't effect how successful you are in the testing. The assessment centre is only trying to draw out he best of you.