Design Engineer Review

In my role from day to day I am expected to carry out engineering tasks such as designing turbine components, participating in projects and working as part of a team involving myself in the necessary meetings. It requires me to this logically and use my part few years of experience to correctly analyse and assess any engineering problems that are presented to me.

Since joining the business I've grown in both confidence and drive to try and achieve the best I can out of my apprenticeship/career. I've developed my team working skills and allow myself to become fully immersed in all tasks where possible. Further to this I have become more of an independent thinker, using my engineering skills to solve problems myself rather than using the assistance of those around me.

I would say that I've enjoyed my program over the past few years as its allowed me to gain the relevant skills and qualifications to work in my chosen industry. Alongside this, I am constantly involved with new projects which keep my work interesting and allow me to constantly learn on the job.

As a general the apprenticeship is well organized as the placements are structured in such a way as to give you the right amount of experience and time to complete the units as part of your NVQ. There have been certain issues raised across a number of apprentices, but this does not reflect on Siemens as a company or the success of the apprenticeship.

As a final year apprentice, I do not receive much support now as its not required and its expected that we use our own initiative and problem solve ourselves. However, in the earlier years the support was there with regards to college issues, placements reviews and I know if needed I can always get this support again at any time.

At Lincoln College they provide us with adequate training material and enable us to successfully complete our qualifications. There have been issues with a lack of tutors in previous years, but during my HNC qualification this has mostly been revolved and there have been no further issues for me personally.

All my qualifications help me perform my role better as they provide an insight into engineering processes. For example, my level 2 PEO provides a fundamental understanding of machining processes which must be considered in my job role when designing components. Furthermore, my level 3/HNC provide me with the level of mathematical knowledge and understanding to tackle increasingly more complex tasks.

Where I can I try and put my name down for the numerous amount of volunteering events that come up. An example of this was a man powered go-kart that myself and a team supported a local school to then go on and win the final competition. Throughout the program there are other events that we are made aware of and can attend if we wish.

Yes

The apprenticeship provides an excellent degree of qualifications and professional work experience with a respected company. Throughout the apprenticeship, the support has been there and all the benefits of the company given to us. The pay is excellent for me personally having left school at 16 and now being 20, which supports my needs sufficiently.

I would say to try where possible to gain some form of initial engineering experience and to convey your engineering interest. It may be the case that an applicant is unsuccessful and if this is the case I would encourage the individual to apply again the following year as places are limited.