Technical Apprentice Review

I am a Technical apprentice and complete various placements throughout the company so my role changes regularly. I am currently working in mechanical engineering producing CAD drawings, so have been given a long term project which I have been working on for the past week. My supervisor is close by and approachable to help with any issues which I encounter. As part of the apprenticeship I am also often invited to meetings and presentations to get a better knowledge of the business as a whole.

I have completed my BTEC Level 3 General Engineering, along with NVQ level 2 and ICT functional skills. I am currently working towards my NVQ level 3 in Technical engineering support and HNC General Engineering. My practical skills have been greatly developed and I learnt a variety of new techniques in college including electrical installation and machining. I have grown in confidence greatly and now regularly give presentations in front of senior management.

I enjoy the variety of work at Leonardo, especially due to the changes in placement allowing for a larger appreciation of the business. The atmosphere is very pleasant, everyone is very approachable and happy to help. On occasion there is a lack of work in placements which makes it less enjoyable, although these issues are generally solved where they can be. The apprentice group is tight and we complete a lot of careers and STEM activities together. The flexible working and other company benefits help to fit work around other arrangements and make for a good work life balance, I really like the flexibility and trust we are given.

I feel very valued at Leonardo, the apprentices have regular engagements with senior management to check progress and address any issues and are very keen to help. We are regularly reviewed by the apprentice manager and feedback is always given when due, with outstanding work always noticed. Most placements will work hard to give valuable work and this will normally contribute to live projects so you can see the difference made.

There were a few gaps in the induction where we had gone to college for 6 months and then returned, but soon gained all the information needed. There is a set placement plan with possibilities for changes through review so you know where you are next due. Apprentice meetings are held monthly to discuss any issues with the program or upcoming commitments, with tasks clearly delegated.

Some tutors were difficult to understand and were not well trained in teaching so found it difficult to convey their knowledge. They generally tried to help as much as possible with the work and we were made aware that support staff were available if needed. I enjoyed the majority of modules and learnt a lot of new skills.

We are regularly reviewed to check progress and discuss any issues or support needed. The apprentice manager is very helpful and addressed any issues quickly and effectively. Almost everyone in the office is happy to help where they can so there is no shortage of support in various situations. The monthly apprentice meetings give a good opportunity to raise general issues within the apprenticeship scheme as well.

I live at home and pay a small amount of housekeeping to my parents each month. I have my own car and commute around 10 minutes to work. I will generally buy lunch at work and sometimes eat out and have a modest social life with few additional necessary costs. I have managed to save a large portion of my salary and live nicely on the money left.

I have helped out at a number of events including representing the company at exhibitions, careers events and school STEM activities. The apprentices also went on a visit to another site together for a couple of days. There are also a number of active charity events to get involved with. Some departments have sports groups which apprentices are sometimes invited to including badminton and golf. Due to the flexible working policy it's quite easy to keep hobbies up outside of working hours too.

Yes

It has given me a lot of opportunities and a great variety of work to get involved in. The skills which I have built are invaluable and I can use them in every aspect of my life. The culture is generally very relaxed and supportive and I have felt very valued during my time as an apprentice.

Don't panic during the application process, especially during the assessment day, hard as that may be. The interviewers are just trying to look at who you are as a person and how you interact and are not there just to terrify you! There are a lot of opportunities which I would advise you take as much as possible as you will become better known and then more likely to be offered again.