Mechanical Engineering apprentice Review

I am set to have 3 month placements for the next 3 years however my day to day roles will go from working in a Mechanical design team using 3D software and modelling to working in a material testing lab. Mechanical design roles have a lot of CAD work in and are good because you meet a lot of different teams/characters within the company.

I am no competent in using 3D modelling software to a decent standard, I also have learnt how to email professionally and how important networking and talking to people is. I have also learnt how to use 3D printers which was completely new to me. My maths skill has also dramatically improved

I like my programme because if you find yourself in a placement that you don't particularly enjoy then it isn't a long time until you can get into the next one so it is worth still working hard and learning something. I love the community vibe within the company and you really get looked after. The opportunities seem endless

As pre mentioned the 3 month placements are well organised and I have my plan or the next 3 years already sorted. Each placement usually has great support and structure for teaching you because they receive support from the company to facilitate you whilst completing their own vital work. After a few weeks you can get involved with the real work quite easily

MBDA are a very supportive company and accommodate well to everybody's differences. They get regular review and feed back sessions organised and set you up with buddies and mentors to help you along the way. They also run a early careers development programme called life skills which is 2 week trips to wales to do team building exercises and personal development.

Although the work is hard along side juggling a full time role at MBDA and a social life,the college do provide everything they can in order for you to succeed with your academic studies whilst at work. They set the assignments out well and give realistic deadlines with an electronic system that helps track the hand ins.

I have noticed a change in how quickly I work in some areas especially maths and mechanical principles. These subjects have helped my general engineering knowledge and understanding improve across the board and made me more efficient. Some subjects haven't helped much however because the placements make you work at a higher level at work so the college work can sometimes feel wasted.

There is a football tournament every year called the Harrison cup and there are multiple football teams representing each building on the site. Also a large cricket tournament is held. There are also large squash and badminton followings and a shooting association. The work gym runs classes after work hours that many people attend.

Yes

Because it is a very good company to work for not only In the Uk but in Europe. There is a lot of opportunity to grow and it has a very thought out apprenticeship screen. The money is also rewarding if you work hard and get good scores at work and grades at college.

Be yourself while interviewing and be very keen to learn and be adaptive. The defence industry is a changing business constantly so you have to be ready to take things on board and take a lot of information in at once. Knowing about the companies morals and products is also very crucial.