Toolmaker Apprentice Review

As a Engineering Toolmaker Apprentice, my current day-to-day tasks include college work working towards a job role within the tool room maintaining die equipment for the press process. During the first year, interactions are mainly with the college staff however, when in the workplace, colleagues are helpful when advice is required.

Having worked in an engineering environment previously and having an understanding of certain processes, this apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to develop existing skills such as welding and learning new skills such as machining which has kept the learning environment interesting. Further training provided is relevant to the job role and interesting.

The programme provided is enjoyable despite the heavy workload due to the work and course content being interesting. The team, both in the work place and in the college environment are excellent. All individuals are helpful and supportive at all times. The company look after each and every apprentice and support is given where required. The programme is interesting and diverse with everyday being different and that's what makes it enjoyable.

Every apprentice is highly valued within the company as they are seen as the future of the business. Where appropriate, individuals are recognised for their efforts in all aspects of their work as an apprentice with an apprentice of the year awarded every year for those who excel and this is recognised through both the company and the college who run the course. Throughout the application process, the company are supportive and are more than happy to answer any questions making the whole process smooth.

When first joining the company as an apprentice, a thorough induction is carried out which includes seeing various aspects of the business at different locations. Regular training is provided for activities outside of the course structure which includes first aid alongside the regular course content. Each week, team meetings are conducted to keep apprentices informed with what is happening within the business and to allow any problems to be addressed.

There is a dedicated training co-ordinator who visits regularly to see how things are going and to check in with how the workload is going and to provide the apprentices with another way of highlighting any problems that may have occurred. Along with course tutors, the training co-ordinator is easy to find, approachable and have an open door policy therefore making them easy to talk to if there are any issues.

The apprentice manager visits at least once a week to keep everyone updated through the process of a team meeting and similarly to the training co-ordinator, it is easy to talk to the manager where necessary and the apprentices know any issue will get resolved quickly and efficiently. The HR team within the company are also happy to help when contacted for help and advice regarding a variety of topics.

The salary provided exceeds that of what is provided by other employers for apprentices and is much appreciated however, with living roughly 10 miles away from the work location and 13 miles away from college, there is a large percentage of the monthly wage spent on fuel to travel to and from work. Having taken a pay cut from my previous job to take up this apprenticeship, it is difficult to maintain the standard of living the previous salary paid.

The company run many events and activities such as school open events, college open evenings to promote the company and the apprenticeship programme in particular. The company run events for recruitment such as girls go technical for females wishing to have a career in engineering. When first starting with the company, a week long team building trip is conducted with apprentices form all areas of the business.

Yes

The company is a great place to work and the opportunities they provide are far above those provided by similar companies. The application process is long however it is a painless process if needed, there is help and advice provided every step of the way. Every apprentice is highly valued throughout their time within the company and this starts from the moment the application process begins.

Tips for the application process include, be prepared for the process to take a while as it takes time to find the right people for the job. Assessment days are well organised and despite appearing scary, it is a painless process and will seem enjoyable after completing. The interview process is obviously a requirement and when it comes to an interview, just be yourself.