Engineering Technician Review

I work within the Power and Propulsion team of the Canadian Surface Combatant programme. At the moment my role involves maintaining and updating technical documentation for the power and propulsion equipment on board. I also liaise with the customer to provide contractual documents where I am responsible for meeting deadlines.

My team-working, timekeeping and communication skills are always being developed as well as multi-tasking, coping with responsibility and problem solving. I have also learned a great deal using 3D modelling and AutoCAD as well as document management. All of this has helped me greatly when trying to develop into an engineer.

I enjoy my programme. The long day at college with the night class without extra time paid was not ideal, and my first few placements could have been better with a structure and pathway already set up for me coming in to each team. But I get on well with everyone, I especially feel part of the team now and the programme has given me great opportunities in the company.

The initial placement plan and day release college looked organised at the beginning but some placements did not have a plan for an apprentice meaning additional stress for the members of the team left to deal with it, and left me feeling put out. The college structure was good as a day release suited my learning. Now I am in my final placement I feel the programme is better organised and has me ready to complete my apprenticeship.

I receive lots of support from my employer from both personal and work related. Each manager I have worked for has taken the time to involve me and make sure I am busy and being made part of the team. I have also been supported well and they have been very understanding with any personal issues outside of the workplace.

Glasgow Clyde College Anniesland Campus were very supportive throughout, with the main lecturers showing a genuine interest in our success. Also, any problems there were the senior lecturers were always available to help. I enjoyed my time studying there and would definitely have enjoyed it less and been less successful had the senior lecturers and main mechanical lecturers not put the effort they put in

My HND qualification helped to give me a base knowledge and understanding of mechanical engineering allowing me to get involved in projects and further my learning with systems or equipment being somewhat familiar. Working on my HND while working also forced me to multi-task and allocate my time appropriately which will benefit me greatly in the future.

There are always extra-curricular activities going on in the workplace, with the Apprentice Council organising fundraisers and social events, STEM events, and team nights out organised by the more sociable colleagues. There is also an over 30s vs under 30s football match that was organised by an ex-apprentice that has taken place around 3 times a year which I have taken part in.

Yes

BAE provide a great opportunity to get into the world of engineering with their apprenticeships. They are a company who are willing to take older apprentices on from the beginning and try to cater for each individual as best they can. I don't know what I would have done without this opportunity so I would always recommend to my friends if they are seeking the same as I was.

Take it seriously, put the work in and it wont go unnoticed. Take the time to speak to members of your team and they will make the effort with you. The company has a lot to offer, and value the input of apprentices so be yourself at the assessment day.