Design Technician Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis I carry out many task such as doing small design tasks in the mechanical engineering are or focusing on a large project in a team environment. I can have many meetings daily which can involve receiving new information regarding a task or just company briefings. I am also involved in contacting outside suppliers in order to gather technical information required for tasks. Interacting with new employees happens every day and allows for my knowledge to be broadening constantly.

I have learnt many new skills which will continue to develop and allow quick progression through the ranks in the company. One of the key skills is team working as this is key to the success of the business, everything is done in a team aspect, from the largest projects to the smallest design tasks. I have gained many new engineering skills from my time at college and these are being enhanced and tailored within the business.

I extremely enjoy my programme as work based activities provide insight into what the company actually does and gives me a sense of pride that I am helping the future of the company. Working in a team allows me to have a wide range of knowledge from different perspectives of the business which I find very interesting. It has exceeded my expectations in what I believe the company could offer and in what I could achieve personally. It is a very enjoyable programme and I believe that there is only more enjoyment to follow.

I believe I do feel appreciated within in the business as we are the next generation of employees and the company will rely on a steady stream on new intakes but there is a slight lack of enthusiasm coming from some managers and other employees which can occasionally effect the general mood of the programme. Within projects however we are valued as key roles like any other employee and are given the same responsibility which allows for rapid development.

From the outset I believe the programme is well structured but can lack some organisation. College was progressing well but I felt disconnected from the business so the induction back into the business was quite intensive but slightly dis-organised. Mentor/SVQ assessors have still not been assigned so this affecting my progression through the SVQ but the rotation system around placements works very well giving me a taste of many different areas of the business.

From my training provider we are given quite little support currently as most is provided through the business. They do encourage for guidance to be received from within the company rather than themselves but they are very good at keeping track of how we are coping with workload and college exams. I believe this support is key as it allows for problems to be raised as soon as they are found. They are very keen to support us but I believe more should be implemented.

From my employer the support I receive is quite extensive from the very beginning of the process from the induction presentations organised by many departments within the business allowing for good understanding of what takes place within the other areas. Support is widely available through the company support helplines and intranet and problems are dealt with swiftly and effectively in manner that is very approachable and friendly. They are very keen to support us in any way that is needed.

I believe the salary is very competitive compared to many other apprenticeships but I believe this may change as other businesses continue to raise salaries as living costs are constantly rising and this may become a problem. Travel costs are easily funded for but there are some long distances which will not be funded for. Day-to-day costs are very affordable and the salary easily meets these. the location of the business is quite central to Edinburgh but if living out of the city it can be quite a journey.

Yes

I would recommend the apprenticeship with Leonardo to a friend as I believe the learning and development process within the business is very good and in a sector that is only going to keep growing we are seriously valued as the next generation of engineers. The salary and benefits received from within the business are very competitive and can allow for free time to be enjoyed with not too many worries for cost. The qualifications I will receive are great to have as it allows for jobs to be found and applied for easily and progression will be quick.

During the application process I would aim to be completely honest and try your best when completing the aptitude tests. When it comes to the assessment centres I would try to be very confident but not cocky, aim to impress your interviewer and show that you have real passion for the field you wish to go into. Prepare for an interview with research as I never knew there would even be an interview and also dress appropriately as shorts and t-shirts wont cut it.