Engineering Quality Technician Review

I am in my first year and at college full time. My day-to-day job involves working towards a Btec level 3 and PEO level 2 this year so that I am qualified to work at the plant part time for the next three years of the apprenticeship. After my first year I will be working at the plant part time and studying towards my degree part time.

I had done A levels in maths and physics subjects and expanded on this in the Btec part of my apprenticeship since I have applied my maths knowledge to an engineering environment. I have learnt new practical skills such as using lathes and mills in the workshops and electrical and mechanical maintenance.

The programme is very enjoyable since I get to experience a working environment while working towards additional qualifications. I enjoy working with all the other apprentices as we all started the apprenticeship together and help each other out if we are struggling. I also enjoy the content of what I am studying as lots of it is new and applies some of my knowledge to the workplace.

The programme is well structured. For the first year I am working towards a Btec level 3 and PEO in advanced manufacturing engineering. For the next two years I will be working in various placements at the factory and studying towards a foundation degree. in the final year I will study towards a Batchelors degree and spend a year in my final placement.

We have regular meetings with our manager to talk about how the college course is going on and to raise any issues. In addition to this, we have reviews with our manager every 3 months. Once we start working at the plant we will be onsite and have more communication with other members of the company.

We have regular meetings with our course tutor to talk about any issues or concerns we have with the course. During lectures we are able to ask our tutors questions if we do not understand a part of the course. Lecturers are willing to go through parts of the course if I am stuck to support my learning.

I haven't started working at the plant yet; however I think the hands on experience will give me a better understanding of how the machinery works at the plant. I will also have an understanding of the processes involved in engineering materials, which will give me additional background knowledge.

As we are in the college full time for the first year, we do not get too involved with social events at the factory. However, as a group of apprentices, we arrange our own social events during our free time. After our first year I am sure there will be more events to further integrate us with other employees.

Yes

This apprenticeship gives you the chance to gain hands on experience in an engineering environment in addition to a university degree. It is a well organised apprenticeship with a full plan for the 4 years and the chance of a job at the end, which you wouldn't get if you were to study at university for four years.

Make sure you spend time filling in your CV and other documents and prepare fully for the online tests. when on the assessment days, try to stay relaxed so that you can be yourself. I found that practice interviews helped me prepare and feel comfortable in the interview for the job.