Mechanical Fitter Review

I work as a mechanical fitter which mainly involves the assembly and disassembly of missiles and sub-systems. It is my responsibility to ensure that I have carried these activities out correctly to engineering drawings. My job role involves a lot of problem solving and methodical thinking as I work in research and development environment.

Throughout the apprenticeship I learnt how to create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings and with that learnt how to interpret them. I have also learnt electrical and mechanical fitting which gives me a broad scope on how a missile is created. Through the apprenticeship I also gained presentation and negotiation skills along with project management.

I enjoyed all the experiences I was offered on the apprenticeship. I was given lots of responsibility with work in my day to day role as well as external opportunities included career events, school activity days and engineering events. On the scheme you are given flexibility with placements so you can tailor the apprenticeship to you.

From the beginning, we are given a clear structure of what to expect in the four years. The scheme is organised in placement rotations which you are given a year in advance of the placements. As these change you are kept informed. Education is organised by the company in terms of application and payment.

You receive as much support as you require. You are not micro managed and you are left to manage yourself if you wish but if you want extra support it will be provided. As well as support from your manager you are given a buddy when you join and can request a mentor. Other apprentices and employees are happy to give advice and support where needed.

At Oaklands, you are tutored at the college to help towards assignments but are expected to complete assignments independently and continue work outside the classroom if you have not finished work in the lessons. The NVQ assessor comes into the business regularly to offer support and assessment towards your qualification.

The qualification I gained through my training provider gave me practical skills which helps in my current role which also included interpreting engineering documents. I also learnt lots academically including materials and engineering principles which I use daily to assist with my work. As a nationally recognised qualification this will help when applying for future jobs.

On top of the extracurricular activities for company promotion like going into schools, running stands at air shows etc. there is also a sports and social club which offers activities such as football, shooting, theatre trips, trips to Ascot. There is also a lot of apprentice networking arranged amongst apprentices.

Yes

As well as being a great company to work for in terms of support and opportunities, you are also offered many benefits such as annual bonus', retail discounts and pay rises. You meet so many people in your daily role and gain so much experience, which you can carry onto other roles as it is encouraged to take internal job opportunities to share knowledge around the company.

Make sure you have a good knowledge of what the company does and what role you are applying for. Make sure the CV has correct spelling and grammar and provides relevant information to the role and looks professional. In the interview if you don't know an answer say instead of making something up.