Fabricator Apprentice Review

My role is a fabrication apprentice and I aid in the construct a range of different items that will assist in the warship support programme, whilst learning my trade to become qualified. On a day to day basis, I go into one of the fabrication workshop and assist in the construction of several different warship support items.

I have learnt a range of new skills both practically and in the theory aspect of the apprenticeship. In the workshop, I have learnt basic bench fitting, plate work and sheet metal work and welding as well. In the class room, we have learnt skills in material analysis and pattern development.

In have enjoyed my programme for the most part. I have learned a range of new skills and the instructors that have taught us have been informative and helpful. However, their have been times when the programme has been frustrating due to organisational issues, but never the less I have enjoyed the programme to a high extent.

During our programme, we have experienced several issues in the organisational front of the programme. Though the modules ran fine once we started them, issues such as modules being delayed, re-arranged and changed were apparent as was a lack of clarity to when we would be released into the wider business.

We receive good support from our employer when we can contact them. If we have any questions They are mostly answered and I feel comfortable seeking out guidance and assistance. However, sometimes guidance can be hard to seek out due to a lack of communication from the employer to employee.

We receive great support from all our instructors and training providers when helping us achieve our qualifications and complete our modules. They give us helpful tips and information and will always be ready to answer at question about the work. Also, we can easily contact them through email or I person.

The qualification helps me perform better in my role as I am learning new skills both practically an in the theory aspect of the role such as new techniques and methods which links directly in skills that I use in the workshop which I spend most of my working days.

There are a few extra curricular activities we can get involved in such as the RN boat challenge and the innovation challenge. The RN boat challenge helped further my skills greatly in the workshop and was good fun, building a small remote control boat which had to pass a set of trials.

Yes

The apprentice, though poorly organised in some areas, provides great opportunities for a promising career in engineering. You learn a good trade with good instructors and a range of skills, getting great experience outside on board the warships and assisting in the warship support programme. You get great support in your qualifications.

When applying for BAE, demonstrate you have an idea of the job you are applying for, make a small project to take to your interview that demonstrates you are keen to develop your skills. Also, show your are keen to listen and take on advice from your instructors and colleagues.