Mechanical Fitter Review

As a mechanical fitter I carry out jobs such as making brackets, grinding/scraping pens, fixing and fitting valves, defects all over the boat where necessary, measuring distances and making chocks for shock absorbing, hack-sawing,drilling holes, grinding, and filing, making face plates, doing assemblies etc.. On a daily basis I have the responsibility to fill in my 'good to go' booklet to ensure the area I'm going to work in is safe as well as reading through packs for each job.

I have gained my NVQ level 2, currently doing my level NVQ level 3. I have also done training courses within work at the Pipe workshop building which helps in work with safety and specific jobs. I have also pursued my maths in functional skills at college and am currently doing my ICT functional skills just waiting on my result of the exam. I will continue to excel and do as many qualifications that are offered to me through the company and hopefully get the chance to move onto higher qualifications such as HNC etc.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship and meets my expectations. The only downfall is there isn't always jobs on to learn from but when there is which is the majority of the time, its a good experience and i learn a lot. I love being a mechanical fitter and I'm glad i got in as that trade. I think working 3 weeks on placement then college for a block week is a really good idea and im enjoying studying for a week instead of night school/day release as i can concentrate better doing the block week at college.

As a female its harder to feel as valued as the males within the company but i have felt very welcomed into the company along with other females and all the squads i have been on so far have been brilliant with me.

I think the apprenticeship is structured reasonably well. Induction was good, the training i have recieved both from college and within the workplace off my journeymen etc has been good. The 12 week review is a good idea too and offers support if need be and checks up how your feeling and doing on your new placements.

I receive most support from my training providers:- [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]. They are all brilliant and have helped me and a lot of other apprentices with there problems.

BAE SYSTEMS applies me with as much support as i need when necessary. Managers, team leaders, journey men, HR, the union, mentor: [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions].They are all people that can help me with any problem that occurs and everyones attitude is positive towards giving help.

Now i have a full time job/apprenticeship i have to pay for everything myself e.g. board to my parents, car/petrol, BAE SYSTEMS shares, social costs e.g. holidays, days out, birthday/Christmas presents, nights out etc. mobile phone bill, gym membership etc and my apprenticeship pays for all this, its a really good wage to earn!

schools and telling them all about BAE apprenticeships and going away on outward bound courses with school children. BAE SYSTEMS apprentice council also provides a numerous amount of opportunities. BAE SYSTEMS have lots of links and contracts with other companies big and small such as the gym membership discounts at Nuffield etc... I had 2 part time jobs before i got an apprenticeship with BAE and was working all hours for less money and gaining NO qualifications from it.

Yes

because it's a good apprenticeship that anyone interested in engineering will enjoy. It is interesting working on submarines and you learn a lot. You gain good qualifications through doing a BAE SYSTEMS apprenticeship and can pursue onto higher qualifications and work your way up to better yourself within the company e.g. team leader, I.W.T manager, Planner, QC etc.

Always try your best!!! sell yourself in the application and interview stages but also research about the company and look keen. For assessments ensure you knuckle down and revise in order to achieve your possible best! There are so many experiences and opportunities within the company once you get your foot in the door and its well worth it as BAE SYSTEMS pays for you to achieve higher e.g. HNC etc so never say never, always give it a try! I would of like to of been told in bullet points what to research for the interview so i had a bit more of an insight into what BAE SYSTEMS wanted to check I knew.