Technical Apprentice Review

As a Technical Apprentice I move around various departments with a 12 week placement in each area. Placements cover all aspects of engineering including but not limited to hardware, mechanical, systems and supportability engineering. Generally I will be set tasks by my placement manager relevant to on-going projects in which I will need to complete within a given time frame. To complete tasks it will require me to communicate with numerous people around the company. As well as placement work, I get involved with STEM projects as well as apprentice projects.

Since starting my apprenticeship, I have learnt a number of new skills through college modules and placement activities. A lot of this is down to the wide range of technology that Leonardo uses meaning that there are many aspects of engineering that need to be explored. At college I learn basic skills such as soldering, general electronics and hand fitting techniques in the workshop. Through work placements I am able to use and develop these skills by using test rigs, trouble shooting and repairing electronic components and systems. It also teaches me to work methodically and use my initiative when it comes to problem solving.

I enjoy my programme greatly as it provides me with the opportunity to meet a lot of new people and get involved with exciting projects. I am also able to use a wide range of technology that would not be available at a majority of companies due to the nature of work carried out. I am also able to get travel off site as part of placement work and extra curricular activities.

Whilst at work I feel that the majority of people appreciate the work that apprentices do. When I complete a task, my placement manager recognises and appreciates what I have done. In most instances, managers will take the time to sit down and give feedback on the work you have done. The appreciation is also reflected in the funding for apprentices. Budget is set aside for projects and activities for apprentices to get involved in as well as the development of facilities for us to use.

The programme is fairly well structured as placements are a set length and you are able to organise them well in advance of the start date. Some times there can be confusion with placements however, leading to a lack of work. College can also be dis organised in terms of the modules that are meant to be carried out and the organisation of lesson plans/work. We do however have regular reviews with managers where problems can be addressed so generally, the programme is well structured.

There is a large amount of support received from my training provider. We have an 'apprentice manager' who we can go to if we have any issues with placement work or college activities. There are two apprenticeship managers at Leonardo which is good as there are a large number of apprentices. They are very welcoming and will give up there time to help you and give you feedback on any activities that you have carried out.

During my various placements I feel that I have received a good amount of support from my employer. placement managers are happy to help out with any problems that I may have even if it is not directly related to the work I am carrying out for them. The HR team are easily accessible and the use of the apprenticeship managers makes it easier to express any concerns that I may have.

I feel that my salary is reasonable however can be a bit of an issue sometimes due to my age and various financial commitments. However it does typically increase by a good amount each year and yearly bonuses can be available depending on the performance of the company. I feel that academic achievements in my role could be recognised with some form of financial reward however as this is something that occurs at other companies.

There are many opportunities outside of my day to day role. Apprentices are encouraged to take part in numerous STEM events which gives us the chance to travel around, meet new people and get involved with fun and exciting projects. As part of my placement I have the chance to travel to meetings and company events relevant to the work I am carrying out. I feel that this really enhances my development and gives me greater understanding of the work that I am carrying out as well as the function of the company.

Yes

I think that Leonardo is a great place to develop your understanding of engineering due to the diversity of the work that is carried out. I feel the apprenticeship scheme is above par when comparing to other companies and the resources are given to us to enhance our development.

I would say do your research on the company as there is a wide variety of work carried here. Go to open evenings and speak to representatives at career event to get a better understanding of what we do. When it comes to interviews and assessment days, just express your interest in engineering and show why you think your skills could be valuable to the company.