Mechanical Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis you will go to work in one of your 16 week placements and work either on your own or with someone depending on the job. While doing this you still need to be answering questions for your NVQ and collecting evidence for jobs to use for your NVQ.

I have learnt a lot about engineering and different processes in manufacturing and I have also learnt a lot about CNC machining as I did not know a lot about it before other than what we learnt in the first year when you are at college full time. I have also developed my skills in using hand tools.

I do enjoy the programme you learn a lot of useful information about the manufacturing industry and also a lot of information about Siemens gas turbines and they way they work. It is also very good that you get paid to go to college full time for the first year of your apprenticeship.

The programme is quite well structured. You are in college for your first year doing NVQ level 2 and either BTEC level 3 or ADIET. Or the next stage of training if you have already done these qualifications. Then you go into the factory from the second year starting your 16 weeks placements in each area completing your nvq level 3 and doing one day a week at college finishing you BTEC/ADIET etc.

You do receive support from you employer if you need it. If you are struggling with NVQ then all the assessors are always willing to help you and you can also go to the entry level talent team who will help you. When you are at college the tutors are also always willing to help.

Lincoln College was quite helpful when getting my NVQ L2 and BTEC L3 but you have to specifically ask for it, if you don't then you likely not be helped as they were very low staffed when I was there. However there were definitely people that would help as much as they could if they knew you were struggling

The qualification helps me perform better in my role by making sure I have a basic knowledge of manual machining, CNC machining and hand fitting techniques. So when someone asks me to do something it is likely I will know what they are talking about and be able to do it.

There are lots of volunteering opurtunities if you choose to do them. There are career days/fairs at schools and colleges, engineering festivals etc. There is also numerous things you can do for charity with siemens for example, charity football matches and lots of other things that people want to organize.

Yes

I would recommend Siemens to a friend if they wanted an mechanical manufacturing engineering apprenticeship because my experience has been very good so far. People are friendly and helpful, the salary is very good for apprenticeship wage especially at college and you learn a lot of knew skills that will help you find a career, with Siemens or elsewhere.

I would advise people to keep up to date with paperwork, at college and especially at work as you don't want to leave it all to the last minute. Also to pay attention at college because there is a lot of work to get in and if you miss something the tutor does not always have time to over it again