Apprentice Review

At the moment I’m currently in a placement I’m grinding. This is CNC grinding on baldes and segments for gas turbines. Each day I learn more about the machines and move onto different ones. I learn how to operate CNC Grinding machines. Also I will need to collect evidence for my NVQ of take that I have undertaken.

Yes, I have learnt new skills. An example of these are, being able to now operate CNC Grinding machines and understand more on how they operate. Also I have learnt how to edit and save programs to make the parts meet the specifications required. However I have also improved on my skills as at college we learnt how to program CNC machines wheas operating them helps you learn more codes.

I enjoy the apprentice program to a great extent. This is because we get to move placements and get to know what I actually enjoy doing and don’t. Each placement is different so I can learn more skills and improve skills. I also like that you get to meet new people in the diffent areas which also helps me improve on my communication skills.

The program that I’m on is very well structured. As you get given goals to reach, if you reach them you get a pay rise. I think that the only problem is that everything is becoming more digital and we still have to use a paper bassed portfolio, when there are already things like one file which we could be using.

I revive lots of support from my employer. If I ever have a problem with anything they would always support me. If I needed anything to help me learn and gain even more skills they would support me on that too. Also it’s easy to get the support that I need form my employer as they help straight away, when they know theirs a problem.

When working towards qualifications, i receive lots of support. If their is anything that they can do to help me, they will. During our first year we had discuttions every 2 weeks about how our work is going and if we need support. Howere further into the apprenticeship we have 3 meetings regarding our NVQ, but I can also contact HR if I have any problems.

At college it helps a little with the role that I am currently doing. However I learn more whe. I’m at work and doing tasks that are more relavant to the role, as doing it is easier to understand then by being stuck in a classroom. Some parts it helps with like doing the maths.

Yes, their are extra curricular activities to get involved in. At Christmas everyear, each placement has a Christmas meal. Which is payed for by the company. This encourages you to bond better with my colleges, so when we’re at work we get along better. At work we also have fund raisers which raise money for charities that we voted for.

Yes

It is a great place to be everyday. It had an amazing atmosphere to learn and everyone will willingly help you to gain more skills that you need. It is also good how you get to move placements unlike most other apprenticeships as you get to try everything to see what you like.

Try your hardest and best to get a place. It will be worth all the hard work that you put in. The harder you work the better results you will get out of it in the end. If your not sure that it’s for you, you can always try it out and see what you think.