Higher Operations Apprentice Review

Each day I'm on the shop floor working along side my skilled operator. I learn a vast variety of different jobs and techniques when working with different people. Every three months we change placements and go to a new section of the shop floor. This gives us a good idea on what it would be like to work in each section, which helps us decide where we would like to end up once we've finished our apprenticeship.

I've learnt a huge amount since I started my apprenticeship. Before starting, I'd never done anything engineering related. Now, I'm coming to the end of a BTec in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, completing my NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Engineering, I've completed multiple IPC Qualifications (soldering) when I have previously no soldering experience, I've learned how to build cables and read and understand engineering drawing. I've also spent a lot of time doing activities for personal development such as public speaking and presenting, as well as team leading and working within a team.

I love my apprenticeship. I'd highly recommend completing an apprenticeship with MBDA to people looking for a career in engineering. I've had many opportunities since starting my apprenticeship with MBDA that I never would've imagined doing. For example attending an RAF Base camp for an open day, getting a tour around the site and some of the jets that are in use.

The apprenticeship scheme is fairly well structured. On a weekly basis, we spend four days a week on site learning on the job with our skilled operators, and the fifth day we spend in college working towards our technical certificate (BTEC/HNC/HND). We also have a matrix to show apprentices which placements they're on and where.

We receive a lot of support from our employers in a variety of different areas. We have the usual support from HR, but we also have the opportunity to get a personal mentor. This could be someone who works in a role that we're interested in, and they can support us in getting into a similar roll once we're out of our time.

We receive a good amount of support from our training provider and Learning Development Officer. Our LDO has regular meetings with us to discuss our progress with our NVQ qualifications and regularly ask for updates with our college/university work. If we ever have any issues regarding college/NVQ we can go to either our employer or training provider to assist us.

By completing our qualifications (NVQ and college work/technical certificate) we are able to build a good base of knowledge in engineering and anything engineering related that we wouldn't necessarily learn about at work. They are useful for me as they teach me about the theoretical aspect of my job.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved with. For example, I am an Apprentice Ambassador for the North West and Lancashire and regularly attend careers events/network events and ambassador conferences. These give me the opportunity to network with other apprentices and employers from different companies who share the same passion as me. There are also many other sports and social clubs within MBDA.

Yes

MBDA take extremely good care of their apprentices. I've spoken to a vast amounts of apprentices from different companies that don't quite get the same amount of care as the MBDA apprentices. I feel very lucky to work for such a reputable company who allow me to work on things that I truly enjoy.

Be open and honest, be confident and prove to them why you really want to work for MBDA. Obviously show them your passion for engineering, but show them the passion that you have for other things as well. Find positives in things you already do. For example, if you're in a football team, it shows that you're a team player, that you're passionate, and committed. Make sure you learn the company values and take in examples of things that you have made/designed/built.