Mechanical Engineering Technician Review

My current role as an Advanced Mechanical Engineering Apprentice is working within the Laboratory Operations department, testing turbochargers; both prototype and production models. Tasks are generally given to me on a as-they-arise basis, so engineers would submit a work request in for testing to be carried out, utilising one of the 21 test cells on site.

I have learnt a plethora of new skills and gained so much knowledge throughout my 12+months working here. I have learnt everything from the ground up, starting with manual machining (turning, milling) and hand fitting. I have now progressed to installing turbocharger units to test cells and running them using the dedicated software, which was and still is a huge learning curve.

Coming up to the end of my final year of the advanced apprenticeship programme, I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Cummins is a great place to work, as they hold the employees in high regard, including apprentices. The team that I have shadowed and worked with in Lab Ops have been very welcoming and supportive which has been of huge benefit in ensuring I learn what I need to, all in a positive working environment.

I feel well included within both the Company as a whole and the intimate Lab Ops team I work in. The senior staff always have the time to assist and make room in their busy schedule to go out their way to lend support at times where everyone else is too busy and preoccupied with their work.

From the application, all the way through to integrating the apprentices into their destined job role, the structure of the apprenticeship is well planned out. Support is always available by the training and talent development team. The programme is also structured in a way where you are always being challenged, in a way where you are sort of left to your own devices to figure out a solution for the given problem/task at hand.

Kirklees College are very supportive and resourceful when it comes to tending to the needs of the students. Tutors are willing to go through course subjects repeatedly if the student is having trouble grasping the content fully. I enjoyed college, especially the practical work such as operating the machines and programming CNC lathes/mills.

Cummins have an abundance of support facilities that apprentices can utilise. In my experience, every supervisor and manager I have come across has been helpful and willing to point me in the direction I needed to go in in order to learn how to do something I thought I may have struggled more with than I actually did.

The salary and benefits package are more than sufficient for the needs I have. Even though I have to travel 15 miles each way to and from work, the salary allows me to afford a comfortable commute. For an apprentice, the grade of pay is really beneficial and allows you to fuel your hobbies whatever they may be.

Cummins are always encouraging employees to take part and get involved in events that promote the company and its core values. The local community is also important to the company, so voluntary activities in the area are constantly arranged for employees to contribute to the wider society e.g. helping students in local schools with career advise, tending to the natural environment such as clearing overgrown vegetation in woods and parks, amongst many other important elements of the local community.

Yes

If they were willing to put their energy into working for a company as prominent as Cummins, then I would always recommend a friend if they were looking for a fulfilling career. Cummins is such a large company, so there are a multitude of opportunities such as travel and further education.

Ensure you have a strong CV, but put all your strengths and limitations down in the application, as Cummins is a company that does not look the other way when it sees someone with room to improve. Present yourself in a manner that you think would suit equally both you as an individual, and also in a professional and formal way that a large company like Cummins would look at as a standout feature. The training and talent development team are very easy to talk to and supportive, so any questions or queries are always welcome, no matter how trivial you might think they are.