Technical Apprentice Review

My day to day roles vary considerably depending on the placement I'm currently working on. Aside from 1 day a week at college, I have experienced a mixture of hands on and office based placements which include engaging and challenging work relevant to my training and future career paths.

I have developed a wide array of practical skills including fitting, electrical, machining and fabrication. I have also learned basic machine coding as well as CAD design. The apprenticeship has also helped me to improve my communication and independent learning skills with real world experience in presentations and team engagement.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the program this far and look forward to the tasks and challenges that I will face within the final 2 year of my apprenticeship. The varied work and interesting field of aerospace engineering help to deliver new and exciting experiences on a daily basis. There has yet to be a day where I've not looked forward coming to work.

The organisation of the apprenticeship is fairly good with regular updates and information coming from the business side of things. The structure of the apprenticeship is continually being refined to help deliver the most seamless and efficient learning experience. The process has took some refining and things have change from when I began meaning some adaptation my be required on the apprentices behalf.

We have great access to support within the business and apprenticeship scheme. We take part in regular meetings and have several avenues of communication available to keep track of progress and performance. There is also ready help available for any concerns relating to mental health or apprentice wellbeing. We also receive regular health checks to monitor our safety and physical wellbeing.

We receive in house training from an external college to help us to work towards our BTEC/HNC qualifications. On the NVQ side we have direct contact with our assessors to help us complete our working criteria with minimal issue with workshops and advice being offered continually. There is a great amount of information available and clarification can always be acquired fairly easily.

While gaining our qualifications we are continually taught relevant information and techniques. We then receive real world applications for these skills which apply to areas within the business. The qualifications we complete are tailored to the role we will be going in once qualified meaning all learning is relevant. The 2nd and 3rd year of the apprenticeship also offer role specific placements which help further knowledge and help contribute towards the level 3 NVQ.

There are a wide variety of extra-curricular activities available while being an apprentice. We our encourage to apply ourselves and take part in these. Some examples include the German exchange and Prince's Trust. As well as the larger activities we are continually given opportunities to volunteer and help at local events and open evenings.

Yes

The company is a great place to be employed with a wide variety of careers and roles. They pay competitive rates while an apprentice and a good wage once qualified. The investment in education you will receive from the business cannot be understated with great levels of support and opportunity for further education. The is continual support within the business in all areas including education, health and wellbeing. The company is at the forefront of the industry meaning you will be pioneering engineering in the UK giving good job satisfaction and a high level of engagement. The company also has good bonus and share schemes.

Show interest in both Engineering and the Business, try and gain a knowledge of what products the company sells and what projects they are involved in. Research the company culture and try relate your interest or experiences to that. Demonstrate interest in Engineering outside of the classroom through hobbies and activities you take part in. Trying to show that you have a genuine interest in the area of work you are applying to will help within the application and interview stages.