Mechanical Engineer Apprentice Review

The first year consists of a full time college course, currently based at Cullham, who have a purpose built training facility. In this year, the BTEC level 3 is studied 1 day a week, and practical skills are learnt for the remaining 4. From 2nd year onwards you continue with day release to complete the BTEC, with the rest of the week being based at work, doing placements round site along side professionals. Departments offer different work and skill sets, including machining (manual and CNC), technician work (fault diagnosis, installation, repairs, vacuum work, cryo work, etc), and design engineering. Through the final years you will complete the engineering standards(replacement of the old NVQ qualification), have the option to study for a HNC, and be offered countless learning opportunities both work based, and formal training based.

I have learnt many new skills in many different formats, including machining, technician work, and design work, however the most valuable to me has been the exposure to a proffessional working environment, and formal qualifications being offered side by side. This has allowed me to grow and develop as an adult and as an engineering proffessional myself.

There are pros and cons to every scheme, and career choice. And the grass is always greener, at first I was worried I had made the wrong decision by not going to university, however, I have found that my background makes me a more reliable choice for employability in engineering. I have also enjoyed the respect recieved in a working environment - I was done with school, and have enjoyed overcoming the teacher -student hierarchy, and being treated as an adult and an equal. Being paid to learn is also a bonus!

In general it has been organised well, but there is always room for improvement. There were problems with a college and training provider used, and when this was raised action was taken to overcome the problem. Each department had set Training plans which are to be completed as proof of your work, and help and guidance is provided to achieve this.

This is department based. There are well over 20 sections which you could be placed into as an apprentice, and each has their own way of running things. However, in general, if you ask for support it will be delivered in a useful manner. However, if you pretend your fine when in actual fact you are struggling, managers will find it difficult to help.

Some colleges have been better than others, when a good teacher is provided, teaching is great, and learning is enjoyable! However, due to shortages in teaching staff, this is not always the case. But, due to this, extended deadlines have been provided and support mechanisms for ex-apprentices have been great!

Having a theoretical knowledge of how things work, or why they work is helpful in my role, as there have been numerous occasions where I have had to assess safety of structures and supports, and also, use of my mathematics has been required in every day tasks, from machining, to design.

STFC have many social groups - the Recriational Society are a group which run sporting events, to trips out, and BBQs. This has been a great way to network and meet new people. It also allows for you to get away from a working environment during lunch breaks as to help clear your head!

Yes

Overall it is a great place to work, with amazing holiday and other perks such as overtime and social events. The work is always varied - due to being a research facility, every job is new and requires a different way of delivery. There are so many different opportunities available, just onsite, as well as sister links with the ESRF, ILL, ESS, and CERN (at which I have been lucky enough to visit some of for work placements) during the summer.

You will need motivation and to be driven. You should be yourself and always ask for help when you need it! Take every opportunity you are presented with and do your best to put your own ideas forward, as well as learn from the professionals you will work along side.