Engineering apprentice Review

I am a first year engineering apprentice. The apprenticeship is a multi skilled course , so i study both mechanical and electrical engineering. I attend college 5 days a week in which 4 of those days i spend studying mechanical and 1 full day of studying electrical. I start 8.15am and finish 4.15 on my mechanical days and i start 9.00am and finish 7.30 pm on my electrical day (every Thursdays). i have responsibility of completing weekly underpinning knowledge questions and to complete test jobs and the writes up reports for them. For the most part each day is slightly different in the sense i am learning new things everyday. I have completed the hand skills, milling and turning part of the mechanical course and i am now half way through my pumps , valves and compressors assessments. My electrical city and guilds exams are soon , so a few hours a week is spent revising for those.

I have learnt a variety of new skills. I have learnt and improved on my hand skills where i have learned to shape metal into several different components. i have also learned how to machine metals. I have been taught how to use a milling machine and lathe in which i feel confident in using both machines. From developing these skills i was able to build an oscillating air engine as part of a final test piece. I have also learned basic principles in a electrical engineering , as prior to starting this course i had no experience in the electrical engineering whats so ever. However now i feel confident and have grasp a fair understanding of electrical principles.

i enjoy the program a lot. i enjoy the fact that i can walk into college knowing that i'll learn at least one new thing everyday . I like the fact that i am always improving on my skills and developing new one , both practical and theory. It exceeded my expectations as i didn't expect for everyone to be as friendly and helpful as they are. when i am at work in the half terms i also find my self to be continuously improving on my skills and always progressing towards being a fully qualified engineer.

I feel very valued by the company. They have invested a lot of time and money into me in order to put me through this apprenticeship. This alone gives me confidence that premier has it in their interest for me to be successful and achieve my goals. When i have been at work , many members of staff are helpful and take time out of their day to help me if i need it.

I have always thought that the course has been well organised. I was supplied with the correct PPE before starting college and when i first attended work i received a thorough introduction which covered every thing i needed to know before starting the job. I have had introductions to the relevant managers/supervisors and fellow colleagues so that i knew who to report to. I can always come into college and work and know that no matter what i do , i will receive help and advice if i become stuck or unsure.

i receive plenty of support from the college. All my tutors are helpful and will spare time to make sure you have a clear understanding of something. i receive regular feed back on my work , on whether its really or if some areas need improving. This in turn is really helpful because it helps turns weakness into strengths and yet improve current strengths at the same time.

i receive plenty of support from premier. I have had plenty of queries in the past that have been answered and resolved. In all departments from HR to engineering management , i have found that all have been helpful. If i need support/ guidance , fellow engineers are always helpful as they want you to be successful in doing the job correctly to.

As a first year apprentice , my salary is currently the lowest it will ever be. Despite this the wage i receive covers my transport, rent, daily and social costs for the most part. My wage is set to go up after each year of the apprenticeship which one of the many perks of working for premier. The fact that i am paid weekly is very handy for the first year , as you always have some form of money. As i have to travel 48 miles for 5 days being paid weekly helps me budget my money in paying for my fuel. I always have enough money spare to put into savings which is useful.

i believe there is yes. As i am at college full time i do not get to hear about them as much if was at work full time. i have seen on notice boards and the website that there is plenty opportunities though. The company has its own rowing team that competes yearly and often hold social events outside of work such as coffee mornings charity events.

Yes

I believe that premier are a good employer to work for. They show interest in their employees and are always looking for ways to improve. This continuous progression is what makes premier at competitive company but despite this premier doesn't forget its core values. Premier also offer competitive salaries and training that most other places cannot offer.

I would advise someone to take their time and ask plenty of questions during the application and interview process. Show your willingness to learn and improve yourself as premier will show their willingness to help you in return. Avoid turning down opportunities , step outside your comfort zone and start saying yes !