Degree Apprentice Review

My role as a degree apprentice involves doing a number of placements around the business. On a daily basis, in my current placement in transmissions design, I am involved in the design process for components which are used on live aircraft, liaising with suppliers to try and get components manufactured and trying to solve problems. As well as this, I have been completing my studies including my HNC project to design a new product which the apprentices manufacture in their first year at college as part of their course. I have also been a part of the apprentice and graduate committee at Leonardo (AWASA), helping to raise money for charity and organised social events for the apprentices.

From initially starting my apprenticeship, I have learn a number of skills. Firstly, I have been completing my HNC and HND, learning many mathematical and theoretical skills throughout this period. I have also been on a number of training courses, such as one to use the CAD system on site (CATIA V5) and familiarization courses for the AW101 and the AW159. These courses have opened my eyes to the detailed working of the helicopters manufacture in Yeovil and given me more knowledge about these aircraft which I can use in my day to day work.

There are many aspects of my apprenticeship I enjoy. I enjoy the working environment as well as the people I work with in my department and the tasks which I have been given. I have also enjoyed being part of the apprentice and graduate committee (AWASA) and being involved in charitable and social event, which involves me helping to plan these and meeting new people across the business. I have also enjoyed my HNC project, to redesign the course the apprentices complete in their first year, which I have designed a successful product which I hope shall be implemented for the start of the next academic year. Overall, my expectations have been met or exceeded and I have enjoyed my time here so far.

I feel that I am valued within the company. I feel the training department value me and the work which I do (including the HNC project which they are the customer for) and from my manager and supervisor in the department which I am in for the work which I complete. I also feel valved for the extra work which I contribute to the AWASA committee as well.

My academic structure is well organised, with the order for when academic studies which I am completing being laid out to me from the start of my course. I can also have some input into where my placements are within the business. The training team and my department structure is well laid out and I was told of this when I started.

With my training provider being Yeovil College, I believe I receive the support which I require. The lessons which our tutors give us are informative and well structured and they are always accessible and willing to give us any additional help we may require. The majority of the time I enjoy going to college.

Leonardo also gives a satisfactory level of support. There is a well structured training team which I can go to with issues as well as a management structure within my department. I have also been given an engineering mentor, who I have regular meetings with to discuss my progress with my course as well as any issues which I have encountered and ask for advise, who is separate from my department and the training department.

The salary is at a satisfactory level for me. I left home to start this course and felt the salary was OK during the first year, being able to pay for living costs and social costs as well as save some money to use in the future and then having more money to save once my salary increased in the second year. The apprentice committee also subsidize social events, which makes them more affordable to everyone.

Outside of work there are opportunities. The apprentice and graduate committee (AWASA) put on social events to help bond apprentices of all years, which has helped me as I left home and didn't know anyone until starting my apprenticeship. The company also has an extras scheme, offering discounts of events and clubs in the local area.

Yes

Because there are a number of opportunities to do within the business that aren't just related to the working environment and my course has allowed me to get qualification and experience in a large aeronautical company whilst being paid. I have also been able to improve myself, not just academically and technically but also in social skills and confidence.

Don't be afraid to ask stupid or hard questions, everyone which I have spoken to has been really helpful and informative with me. Be yourself with the application and don't be afraid to show weaknesses as no one is perfect but the positives about yourself need to be included and maximized too.