Craft Mechanical Apprentice Review

As mechanical apprentice I get to do mechanical work on royal navy ships and work alongside skilled tradesmen. On a daily basis I receive jobs from team leaders and go on board ships to work on engines, gas turbines, high pressure water and fuel systems, high pressure air tanks and pipework

Since starting my apprenticeship I have learned lots of new skills as well as developing new ones. I have been taught how to operate mechanical machinery to help me with my job as well as expanding on my skills of engine maintenance and strip down. I have also learned the basic principles of marine engineering.

I find that the program I am on is very interesting especially as it is a job not many people get to do or even experience it. I enjoy mechanical engineering and this job allows me to turn my hobby into a job. I do find that with my experience I find the scheme a little too easy at times.

At the beginning of the apprenticeship there was a bit of uncertainty about what we were doing due to the programme changing from old to new. But within a few months it was all organised and we were put on track and updated about our current position, the programme and what our goals are.

Whenever I may have any queries there are always people at hand to answer any questions. On a day to day basis I always work with a mentor who is there to teach me, my line managers and team leaders as well as trainers within the naval base and any teachers at college.

We get a weekly day release to CEMAST college which is a part of Fareham college group. Our teachers are always at hand to answer questions when we are there as well as over email on days we are not at college. We also have BAE instructors within the naval base who are available all week to help.

The qualification we receive has been specifically tailored towards our working life. The units we need to complete were chosen by our future boss who knows what he would need us to know and what might benefit us in our working lives after completing the apprenticeship. The college is providing the units in an easy and understandable manner and makes all materials available online.

I am a STEM ambassador for BAE systems meaning I get to visit and be part of local events that are meant to raise awareness about the careers that might be available within engineering. There is also a Gym within the naval base which is cheap and easily accessible by anyone as well as a football team.

Yes

It is a good apprenticeship to start your career in engineering and the training and qualifications that come with it are highly recognised anywhere within the industry. People in the company are very approachable and like to help. The company treats apprentices with respect and give us serious jobs that aid with our learning.

Do not be afraid do ask questions, get ready for the interviews by researching the company and remembering that the people interviewing you are only human and at some point in their lives they were sat in that exact seat. After starting work here I found out most of the workforce have done an apprenticeship at BAE so they can easily relate to anyone new.