Manufacturing Apprentice Review

I'm a craft apprentice and I move through rotational placements every three months. I find the jobs I do during the placements to be at a level that are challenging but not too hard that I cant complete them - the other employees are always willing to help with any tasks I find difficult.

I have developed my soldering and hands on skills during the placements as I had only done a little bit prior to starting my apprenticeship. I also attend college on a Tuesday to gain relevant qualifications which have improved my knowledge and understanding of the work that is completed at Leonardo. In addition, we had awareness courses which educated us on the aspects of the company and improved our knowledge again.

I really enjoy the program, I enjoy the different departments that you rotate around and enjoy learning from employees who have been doing the job for several years. The management team are always on hand and willing to help with anything that needed to be done and the other apprentices are friendly and easy to get on with.

I always feel valued by Leonardo, the managers always include me in team discussions/team briefs and get me involved in as many projects or jobs as I can be. The apprentice management team always recognise us on apprentice emails by thanking us for participating in volunteering events or congratulating us on passing units at college.

The induction that we received when entering the company gave us all the information that we would need for the placements but also allowed us to meet people from the organisation. The training was well structured and was presented in ways that would mean we would remember the information. Support is always on hand to help us if we required and the apprentice intranet page gives use helpful links for when we need support.

My SVQ assessor is always willing to support me to complete my SVQ work. He always gives me useful advice and will contact anyone else who he needs to in order to aid me through my SVQ work. The apprentice team will always offer guidance with problems and will keep it confidential if you just want someone to talk to about issues whether they be at home or at work.

My managers always offer support whether it be help with a job I'm doing or time during the day to catch up on SVQ work or college work. The HR team will always help out where they can to support you with any issues that occur and will pass you on to the relevant person/people to sort it out. There's always a positive attitude towards helping you.

I don't think the salary is high enough, I have hardly any money left when I take away my living costs, daily costs and travel costs. I think the location is good as it is quite central however, to rent or buy a flat/house nearby then the prices are really high meaning I am required to travel daily.

There are a lot of volunteering opportunities within Leonardo and the apprenticeship which I am always keen to get involved in. The management team always inform us of any opportunities for volunteering and the STEM ambassador’s site always displayed nearby volunteering opportunities as well. We get a free gym membership to the local gyms which is good for those who live nearby, however would've been better if it was a nationwide gym for those not living in Edinburgh. We also have a lot of fundraising opportunities to take part in as well.

Yes

I think it’s a really good opportunity and a good way to get into the engineering industry and you're earning whilst learning. The placements within the apprenticeship are really good and further your skills, knowledge and understanding of engineering on whole and engineering principles. I also think it’s a good company to change the perception of engineering being dirty work.

I found the application process to be really good and engaging. The interviews are done with members of staff within the company, the majority of which being ex apprentices, so they are aware of how nervous the applicants will be and are able to make them feel more comfortable during the process. Once on-board, the induction days are really insightful and give a lot of information so that you can understand your roles and responsibilities during the apprenticeship.