Mechanical Apprentice Review

As an apprentice I move around multiple section of the operation and maintenance section completely different types of jobs to gain a wide range of experience. I have worked in machine maintenance, the garage and I am now currently working within the heating section. My job can be planed maintenance, break downs or finding faults.

When I started this apprenticeship, I had no hand skills at all. I enjoy the idea of engineering and loved to learn about it but technically knew nothing. After working here for over 2 years, I have learnt so many new skills, and the skills I have learnt I have also improved on.

The program that I am currently on is fantastic. Learning everything in the first year such as basic skills and how to operate machines to now where everyday is a different job. It is so easy to learn knew things and gain more experience and knowledge. My job is never repetitive.

I believe mot of my programme I am on is well structured and planned well. My team leaders and manager are up to date with what is going on and I am always in the know about it all. However some of the paper work which needs to be completed can take a while to come through.

My employer gives more a lot of a support. The support I received whilst at the training centre was amazing and it just as good now. I feel confident to go up to my employer and ask any question and I know I wont get a bad response. Even though I am an apprentice I am treated like a worker

In the first year I receive really good support with training. At parts of my apprenticeship I felt the amount of support had lowered due to other circumstances but lately it has picked up again and I am currently up to date with all my training which goes towards my qualification.

The qualification I am working on helps me a lot. This is because the amount you questions you have to answer and the different type of knowledge you need to learn to know the answers to the paperwork I need to complete educates me on the job. Also If I am unsure about anything, my training provider can guide me.

Within my work place you can join the ERT which is the emergency response team and you can join this as an apprentice or full time employee. They are the in base 999 for any emergencies that occur. You can also play football through lunch with colleagues and this can boost relationships within the work place.

Yes

I would recommend BAE systems and the apprenticeship to a friend because I believe it is a great experience and it sets you on a great start to a long and successful carer. It teaches you all kind of skills and techniques and within BAE systems you are treated fairly and as equals to everyone else which I find important within a job.

The tips and advice to any applying or thinking about it would be to go forward with it as they will not regret it. Even if they don't get the job I would apply again the following year as the opportunity this apprenticeship can give you is something you shouldn't turn down.