Technical Apprentice Review

I move around to different areas of the business every 3 months, where I work with the team there on whatever they are doing. These tasks are usually fairly simple and often end up being 'training' exercises or admin, however they can also be quite interesting and directly affect the company, like running tests, or applying for things, etc.

I have learned a few new skills, like how to code in C# during one of my placements, as well as learning CAD in another. Most of the basics were self taught, however the more advanced techniques were taught by people in the placement. At college, I have learnt very little, as I had already completed my A Levels in the same subjects, but I have developed my project planning skills and learnt to solder.

This depends heavily on the placement and the people within it, since they have direct control over the work I am given. Everyone I have worked with has been friendly and able to help with any issues I have, however the work they give me is often quite boring and is sometimes a little sparse. There are plenty of interesting things to do at the company, however I rarely get to do any of it.

Often, I do not feel very valued by the company. The people within my placements treat me fairly and often treat me like part of the team, however outside of the areas that have apprentices, I feel like we are not thought of as very useful to the company, and people don't think we do anything. Our external recognition is quite good, as we help out with many local events and activities, but within the company, we are often only included to improve the appearance of the company.

Overall, I think that this apprenticeship is quite well organised. The dates for events are given well in advance, the majority of the time, and we have regular meetings to touch base and see if there are any developments we might not know about. While I was applying to the apprenticeship, the communication was not quite as good and there were several weeks without hearing anything from them. But they gave plenty of warning when they did get in contact.

There is quite a lot of support available to us in the apprenticeship scheme, if you need it. Personally, I don't need any support so I don't know too many of the specifics, however you can go and talk to the apprentice managers whenever you want to with any queries. At learner reviews, they always ask if you think that you need any extra help or support with anything. I also imagine that they would offer help as well if they thought it would benefit you. Placement managers are the same as well.

I receive the support I need from my employer, which makes my job and college easier. If I have any queries, I can go and speak to the apprentice managers, or send them an email, and they will often respond within a few minutes with an answer of some form. If we have any queries with college, we can do the same thing, and our managers will contact the college and try to resolve the issue.

I do not think that I get paid enough in this apprenticeship, as I would not be able to support myself on this income alone if I were to live alone. Because I live with my parents and can walk to work, my expenses are low enough that this is not an issue now, but I would like to move out at some point, which probably won't be possible until I complete this apprenticeship. I also do not think that salary for this apprenticeship has increased many years, which means that it does not reflect the increase in living costs. However, for an apprenticeship, we are paid reasonably well.

There are many opportunities outside of work, however these again depend heavily on what placement you are in and at what time. As an apprentice, I have yet to take part in any outside opportunities, as I have not been in the right places at the right time. I have also asked about trips or events specifically for apprentices, and have been told that there are a few being planned, but have yet to see anything happen.

Yes

The apprenticeship itself is not the greatest, however it offers a step into the world of engineering and can lead to many great opportunities after the apprenticeship.

I recommend researching the company more than I did, as before applying I only really new that Leonardo was an Aerospace Defence company, and not really what that would entail. Knowing more about the company would have made it easier during the interview and left me more informed about the apprenticeship in general. I would also have attended the open days to get a first hand feel of the company.