Mechanical Apprentice Review

I am currently on my second year of my apprenticeship, once a week I go to college to do my Year 2 HNC. The rest of the week I am at work, I am currently working within a department that deals with suppliers. From there we assess if they are at risk, if so the department will support the supplier until the risk has been removed.

There are many new skills that I have learnt, they include using different software that is used internally within the organisation. My current skills are developing everyday, I am becoming more confident - I ask questions more when I don't understand some things, as well as asking for help or more work.

I enjoy the programme very much, I get to spend 3 - 6 months in each department for the next 2 - 3 years. It allows me to see how each department contributes to MBDA, in addition to seeing how important the departments are throughout the products' lifecycle. I also get to see how all the departments link together.

My programme is very well structured, the first year consists of going to college full time for the first 9 months. This is so I could complete my Level 2 NVQ and my first year of HNC. The next two years I would be exploring the company by working in engineering and business departments, the fourth year will be my final year. I would be loosed into my final placement.

My employer is very supportive, if there are questions I need to ask I know I can go to my managers. If there are any issues within any departments HR will make sure the issue are resolved. Early careers HR are there if you need support with personal issues, or if you are struggling with college work.

With my experience both training providers are supportive - one for HNC and the other for the NVQ Level 3. If I am struggling with any HNC assignments I will email my tutor for guidance, he sacrifices his free time to call me to ensure I understand the criteria. The NVQ provider visits once every few months to ensure we are on track with our course, this work is based on my experience.

My qualifications has allowed me to progress within the manufacturing department, after completing the NVQ Level 2. I was able to develop my hands on skills and carry out tasks with minimal help. My other qualifications have taught me to be patient, but to be focused when carrying out work tasks to ensure it is all correct.

There are so many extra-curricular activities at MBDA! They have their own sports and social events, where people can go to the theatre or play football in the MBDA team. MBDA has a website that gives you discount on social events (such as cinema etc.), they also have professional networking events that could involve Facebook, meeting some members of Parliament, Make UK and many other professional events.

Yes

I believe that MBDA is a great way to start off your career, it allows you to gain engineering and business skills that are implemented throughout the company. They have core values that many people follow: passion, integrity, team spirit, commitment and innovation. I believe following these values builds you as a person.

You would need to complete a test before knowing if you have an interview at MBDA or not. If you are honest about struggling with tests, let MBDA know and they will consider it. Don't compare yourself to others, as everyone is different. MBDA will appreciate it if you bring in a project portfolio, it shows them what kind of work you have done within school/college/work/home.