Electrical Technician Review

My role currently includes training at a training centre full time so that I have the skills and knowledge needed to be safe and competent when I return to the BAE site. I do an NVQ most of the week which involves many practical skills that I didn’t know about and will be helpful in the future. On Tuesdays I do a BTEC including maths, health and safety and electrical work which is giving me the background knowledge I need.

Before this apprenticeship I had done a little engineering so doing this has expanded on some knowledge I already had like health and safety procedures and regulations. Also I’ve learnt many new skills including fault finding, wiring and more advanced soldering so that I am able to build and dismantle PCB’s.

So for I’m enjoying my apprenticeship, definitely meeting new friends and people who are now great friends. The tutors are all friendly and helpful which has made my experience more enjoyable. Being part of a team with the others from my company is great and provides me with support from all sides.

The lessons are mostly well planned with a bit of improv which is good as it gives us the freedom to do the work we need or to move onto the next bit of learning. I would say that holiday dates need to be organised quicker and told to us further in advance but apart from that everything is good.

We’ve had many visits from BAE including second and third year apprentices coming to talk to us and see how we’re doing. We also have a 12 week review which can express any concerns etc. We have access to the emails of managers and supervisors from BAE if we have any further questions as well.

The tutors are available a lot of the time during the week if I need to see them and talk about work or assignments. If not then I can email them and they usually respond fairly quickly. There is extra lessons on a Tuesday afternoon if you need help in any subjects as well.

The training towards my qualification is giving me the information and practical skills that I am going to need and use within my role back at BAE. This means that I will be able to perform better and have a deeper understanding of problems and how they can be solved in my role.

At BAE their is many other activities that we can get involved in if we choose to. One of these is the apprentice council where we can feedback about our experience as an apprentice. There is also a monthly photo completion and meals at special occasions like Christmas etc. There is also a few sports clubs you can join set up by employees.

Yes

The atmosphere and friendly nature of people at BAE means you don’t feel lonely at all whilst there and you will be with others in the same situation as yourself so their is no need to worry. I’ve loved meeting new people and spending time socialising with them. A lot of fun and a great company!

Just do your best and if you get in, don’t be cocky. Stay smart and well dressed throughout the induction to give a good first impression. Make sure you are punctual to work every day and you’ll have no problems. Also try to get to know your piers quickly so that you stay part of the group and you’ll have a blast!