Apprentice Electrical Engineer Review

For the most part, my role consists of shadowing and learning from the more senior engineers, completing tasks that are suitable for my level and getting the competencies necessary for the exit role. I often interact with external contacts on a weekly or daily basis. The projects I take on can range from being a small part of a team to project management.

I have learnt a lot of new skills, such as systems engineering, interpersonal and professional communication, presentations, practical electronics manufacture, concepting, etc. as well as developing skills I came into the business with such as soldering, design, CAD, and theoretical skills. My knowledge on the products, the subsystems, and electrical architechture were all developed.

For the most part, the work we do is sufficeiently challenging and exciting. The teams are generally a pleasure to work with and the company culture is very professional. There is a great focus on diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. I feel like there are still lots of improvements to be made on the course structure and training but I really do enjoy working here.

From my experience, my program was structured during the initial induction and training period, after about a year, ongoing support became less structured with placements and tasks becoming more focused on the work available. Due to a lack of funding at the moment, there has been no training over the past year.

There is lots of support available from my line manager, team, and HR with easy access to additional support if I need it. I regularly get support from my manager and HR with plenty of guidance. They have no issues with supporting me and I have never had a negative reation from asking for help.

At this point in time, I have little interaction with my training provider as I have graduated from City of Wolverhampton College. As such the following is a retrospective; I recieved little support from the training provider and was encouraged to deal with proplems myself. I did not enjoy my time at COWC and that can be reflected in my academic results.

My HNC qualification in electrical engineering does not help me perform better in my role as it it mostly irrelevant. There has been practically no overlap in the subject matter and my work with the skills used during my role being developed outside of college. A more accurate qualification would have been nice but it is more of a stepping stone onto a Degree.

There are plenty of activities outside of my normal working role, such as STEM events, careers events, access to training courses, internal conferences, external conferences, as well as charity work. We are given lots of chances to engage in these activities yet it is up to the individual to balance this out with regular work.

Yes

I wouldn't recommend applying for any of the Combat Vehicles roles at this time due to the joint venture that has just been anounced but for the other sections of the business, it is a very benifitial way to get into the defense industry with little experience or qualifications.

Learn as much as you can about the scheme before you apply and have a general plan for your career progression before you start. Having some experience in CAD, hands-on work or engineering would go a long way towards passing that interview. Consider the level of qualification you are currently on and aim for an apprenticeship at the level above.