Technical Apprentice Review

I am a Technical Apprentice, who works in the Land and Naval Defence Electronics sector at Leonardo. As an apprentice I have day release one day a week to complete my studies at a local college. With the other 4 days of the week, depending on the placements I will involved in multiple tasks with other colleagues carrying out tasks that you will come across in a normal days work.

We have been taught some skills on and off site, being through the tutors at the college and through the workplace placements as well.

It offers different career paths and the work is not boring and keeps you on your toes as the work varies so much from project to project.

I am part of the team when I am part of the placements and they make me feel welcome which is good. Along with them getting you to carry out tasks which you feel valued through the tasks and upon completion.

It has a structure but as anything things can change and you just have to deal with them and adapt to them.

As apprentices we have had a few problems with our training provider, mainly last year with the quality of the teaching has been very poor. The college itself hasn't got great management which is main part to blame as they don't off the tutors much support or appreciation, which has caused many of them to leave their jobs at the college.

At Leonardo you get all the support you need with whatever the case may be. But you have to ask for it like many places would and there isn't a regular check up on how you are doing with the placement. But one big one every 3/4 months.

My salary is plenty enough to cover my fuel that I use to travel 40ish miles a day back and to work each day, along with covering food and rent. Leaving enough money for me not to feel out of pocket which helps fund my social life to enjoy the work life balance.

We hold charity events at Leonardo which all apprentices get involved in and other employees which opens the opportunity to meeting new friends and get to know people in the business. It also gets you out of the office which breaks your job up so that it never get boring or keeping the days too similar. We also hold STEM events for local schools to take part so you get to learn and solidify your knowledge by teaching it and passing it on to other kids.

Yes

It offers different projects and experiences and you get to see and understand the entire business first hand, through the placements that you carry out in your time here.

Keep yourself busy by getting involved in work and get work done as soon as you receive to stay on top of it all. Making yourself available to experiences that arise in future.