Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Review

As I am nearing completion of my apprenticeship I am now on my final placement. My daily tasks are varied depending on what planned work is on or if any breakdowns have occured. Everyday can bring a new challange to overcome and solve. The team I am with are excellent and support me on a day to day basis to help me drive forward the completeion of my apprenticeship.

Yes!! From the day I started with the company (Syngenta) I have been sent on a number of training and personal development courses. These are a combination of on-site training as well as a number of external courses to attend also. I have gained too many skills and qualifications to write down but my most recent ones were: counter balance fork lift truck license, IPAF MEWP license, root cause analysis training and rigging & crane signalling to name a few.

I really enjoy my programme. I knew from the start it would require hard work and dedication but I feel that everything has paid off now I am coming to completion. As with everything I have had a few frustrations at times but my manager and staff here are great and everything is done to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

The structure and organisation of the apprenticeship programme is very well put together. From the start we are given an overall induction and training plan to follow throughout the course. We have regular planned meetings with our apprenticeship manager and also placement manager but we can also book a meeting or call in for a chat at any time for support or advice. We also have a dedicated room full of computers and resources for any studying we need to do.

The support provided by Syngenta towards apprentices is excellent. Throughout the apprenticeship we have regular review meetings with our line managers and also plant staff. My line manager is brilliant she is passionate about her job and she is always helpful and wants the best for each and every apprentice on site. We have an onsite HR department who is easy to contact for any HR related issues. The general attitude towards apprentices is excellent and everyone is always willing to teach or help you.

Do to internal reasons at college I feel that the college has let the overall scheme down this year. A number of issues including shortage of staff has made things difficult throughout the final year of HNC and it has been extremely frustrating at time. I would like to add that both my company and manager have been excellent in doing all that they can and spending time with the college to try help the situation.

I feel that I am applying a number of skills in my day to day roll here at Syngenta and will continue to develop and use more skills later down in my career. The HNC gives a high level of understanding of various engineering related content which is relevant to my job.

Yes. We have several activities and events for staff to get involved with for both apprentices and staff. We have yearly events such as a stadium event which is a day to reflect on the company’s performance and future goals, a Christmas event to celebrate the end of the year, a farm event which shows staff how our products are helping farmers and finally a cereals event which is a massive event which Syngenta attends. We also have site events such as bowling, yoga, cycling and various charity events to attend and also in department events are also organised.

Yes

Syngenta is a great place to work. Everyday provides a new experience and challenge to develop my skills within engineering. They are extremely proud and passionate about their apprentices which shows by the quality of our training. I have made many friends onsite and I am looking forward to my future career after the apprenticeship.

Firstly, attend one of the various open evenings which we attend each year. This way you will get to meet the apprentice managers and find out as much information about the programme as possible. Be passionate in both your CV and cover letter about both why you want the job in the industry and then why Syngenta specifically. Finally if you get an interview try prepare as much as possible, think about if you have done any exciting projects or tasks either within school or out of school and most importantly sell yourself.