Apprentice Machinist Review

My role is to machine parts from different materials to the drawings and instructions given to me. This could be using either a manual milling machine or the CNC vertical milling machine. I am instructed by my team leader as to which jobs are needing to be done first and then as I complete it is my responsibility to find out what is next to be done. I am responsible for making sure that the machine(s) that I use are in good condition and that I do a risk assessment before starting the days work. The tools are all inspected for wear and tear before each component is machined. Once the shift is near the end the machine is cleaned out of swarf and the coolant levels are checked and topped up when required and I then inform the next person on the machine as to whether there is a job that needs to be continued with or whether there has been any problems that have cropped up.

I have learnt a few new skills with regards to working in an engineering placement as making components is much more interesting than just fitting parts (I used to work in a garage).

I enjoy the team that I work with but I also enjoy the fact that I can be given a job and just left to get on with it. I know that if I have any problems that I can always ask another team member for any advice if necessary. My only gripe is the fact that I know I need further training on the CNC machine due to the complexity of the programming and I want to be able to use it to its full extent rather than at the level I am currently at.

I feel that the manager does appreciate the work that is put in not just by me but by everyone in the machine shop. My journeyman also appreciates the work that I do as well which actually means more to me than recognition from above as he is the one that taught me the basics on the machine. However as we work opposite shifts then I am limited to what else he can teach me.

I must admit that the structure of the program seems rather basic at best and I do feel that when my apprenticeship ends that I will still only have a basic knowledge of milling at best. What would be much more effective is to have a proper training programme that allows for apprentice machinists to have one to one time with someone who can teach and knows the machines inside out and therefore the apprentices would benefit from the experience of the trainer. As it is I have only learnt from what my journeyman has taught me and there is so much more to learn. Sometimes the harder jobs only appear from time to time and it is not always possible to learn how to program the machine to do them especially if you work opposite shifts like I do.

My advisor is there if I do need him and I have a contact number if I ever need to get in touch. If I have any problems I know I can go to him as well as my team leaders. Until recently I have had no problems.

I have some support from the manager and my mentor. I think a better training package for apprentices would be much better than relying on the team and just one mentor. The one thing I will say is I don't always receive communications that other apprentices have received.

The salary meets my living costs as my family and I do budget well. No point getting anything that I cannot afford. I only live four mile away and although I use my car the travel costs are not high.

I keep myself busy with my own hobbies and therefore once I am out of work I see the time as my own. I volunteer at two preserved railways as well as spend plenty of time with my family.

Yes

The job is interesting (well I think so) and the wage is very good. The company seems to be in a good position with plenty of work with regards to the next submarines and there are plenty of opportunities to progress if you want to. In my short time with the company I have enjoyed it and I hope to continue enjoying what I do.

Before the interview do your research of what the company does and not just the maritime side of the business. Whatever feedback and advice you are given accept it and learn from it. Grab every chance you can to progress. I think what I would have liked to have been told was more about the chance of progressing through the education gained by going to college. To me it seems a little unfair that, due to my job role I will probably not be able to progress on to a HNC course.