Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

I am part of the structural design team for the T26 project. My daily tasks involve liaising with the other design disciplines on the T26 Platform and collaborating in order to resolve engineering issues effectively. I also produce drawings for various activities concerning the structural design of the ship. These drawings range from manufacturing to key plans.

I have become far more confident as a person through the apprenticeship. It has enabled me to become more driven and ambitious with my career also as I can see all the opportunities that are available for me. My computer skills have also risen to a higher standard due to the nature of the work.

I love my programme. I have support from my colleagues beside me as most of them were apprentices at one stage in their careers and also massive support from the early careers team. I feel the apprenticeship is rewarding and challenging enough to keep me hungry. I know having this apprenticeship under my belt will also aid me in my future career progression aspirations.

The programme is structured in an easy to follow and excellent way. Each year I am given clear instruction on what my goals are and were I should be. I am also given regular 3 monthly reviews by my training officer to ensure that I am keeping up to date with any work that is required.

I receive massive amounts of support from my employer. Not only professionally but also personally. I have struggled over the past two years with a debilitating mental health illness and I honestly don't think I would have been able to see out the apprenticeship if it wasn't for the early careers team and the companies support as a whole.

There is plenty of support available if it is required and also I have regular meetings with the training provider to discuss my progress with my log book and college work. At these meetings I am able to request additional support and guidance on any issue which may be bothering me.

I feel as though the award is well respected within the industry and it certainly helps to open many doors for when the time comes. It definitely helps that numerous colleagues have been through the apprenticeship including our Naval Ships Managing Director! It certainly gives me the belief that the sky is the limit.

There is a local apprentice council who regularly organise charity events, nights out, sporting events, social gatherings and further work. There are also regular presentations that allow people from across the business to network and get to know one and other which is great if you are an apprentice and very early on in your career.

Yes

The apprenticeship has changed my life in numerous ways. It has given me the tools which are required in life to face difficult challenges and grow. It has also sparked life back into my career goals and made me hungry for more. It is a great feeling to be earning qualifications whilst earning great money.

Do your research and know your history about shipbuilding on the Clyde. The Clyde is responsible for producing nearly 25% of the total number of ships that has ever been manufactured in the world and this heritage is something anybody joining should be proud to be a part of. Most importantly be yourself.