Design Apprentice Review

Design Technical Apprentice involves working in particular departments (these are rotational every 3 months). At the moment I am currently still learning the basics of what the company does. I also do volunteering work within the company as a STEM ambassador and other projects that require help. I enjoy the day-to-day work I am doing. Everyone is helpful.

Yes, absolutely. Not only have I learned and developed skills at college, I have also learned a lot within my placement. I have little engineering experience as I left straight from school in S6. I learned how to solder, use machinery and also test some electrical equipment. I have also learned about the Health and Safety within the workplace and what constitutes a hazard. After the 18 weeks I obtained a PEO Level 2 which although basic, it shows I have worked within an engineering environment.

I really enjoy the programme. I was worried at first in case this might not be what I want and would therefore have wasted my time instead of going to uni. However, I am thoroughly enjoying the apprenticeship and hope this continues. Even after the 18 weeks at college, you still get a qualification which would always be useful to put on your CV if you decided the apprenticeship wasn't for you. Everybody is really helpful and supportive, from management to colleagues.

If we have questions they are usually answered quickly. We are constantly reminded that if there are any problems, the company will help us out. Apprentices are always involved in a number of events and are given the chance to go on visits if needed. I feel confident that if I did have any issues, they would be dealt with appropriately by the management team. I also think the company gives many opportunities and perks within the job which is great.

Could be better. In terms of the placement plans, this is fine. However, I think there has been some poor organisation with regard to our SVQ. With the apprenticeship, we are meant to be doing our SVQ on-site with the help of an SVQ assessor. We were told that this would be sorted when we returned back to work after the initial induction in January. This is not the case, infact I am one month away from my next placement and have still not met my SVQ assessor, nor do I know who it is. Considering that we were told by other apprentices in the year above us to try and complete two logs per placement, this is almost impossible to achieve without us being given any examples of work nor what is to be expected. I don't think the apprenticeship team should expect us to have sorted this out ourselves since we are new to this process. Apart from the SVQ area, I do not think there are any other major organisational issues.

Since I have not met my SVQ assessor, nor know who it is, I am not sure where to get support from apart from other apprentices in my department. The college were supportive if we needed anything, and we all knew who to go to if we had any issues. With the SVQ however, I have received little support from management and only received some support from other apprentices in my department who have kindly spoke to me about the SVQ.

If we have any problems we are supported such as with college work. We know who to speak to if we need support within our departments as well. I think the management team would rather be told by us about any issues we are having than by others (Such as college and placement managers).

I think the salary we get is good for my age and compared to other apprenticeships in the industry. I also think its good that the salary goes up every year throughout the apprenticeship. When travelling to college, it was quite expensive to get the trains (£100 per month) since the college is in a far out location. The price of food and drink in the restaurant on-site is quite expensive and so I rarely buy food from the restaurant and instead take my own lunch.

Yes, there are a lot of events we can attend and help with to promote the company. In addition as we are STEM ambassadors we are able to be involved in many STEM related activities. We are always encouraged to join a voluntary group within the company and get involved with projects within the community (I am working on some projects at the moment).

Yes

There are many opportunities within the company. It is also a very interesting place to work. Everyone is helpful and supportive and we have been told that progression within the company is likely. The salary is competitive compared to other companies as well. I also think its important that we get the qualifications so even if we decide to leave the apprenticeship we have left with something. I plan to stay within the company.

Be yourself. Never try to fool anybody or make up things you do. This will always be found out and will not work in your favour. One of Leonardo's values is to have respect and be honest. You don't want to be breaking these values before starting with the company. Always smile and come across as approachable. When carrying out team activities, be part of the team and put forward your ideas. Although, do not be bossy. Listen to everyone.