Manufacturing Engineer Apprentice Review

I currently work on producing manufacturing instructions for a facility on site, I look at the pre existing documents and cross reference these with information from shop floor staff, I obtain the information by going to the staff members and asking them and also watching them carry out the work, I also assist with cleanliness in the facility and continuous improvement of the facility.

I have learnt social and inter personal skills by interacting with shop floor members and understanding their views and ways of working. I have learnt the process for writing the manufacturing instructions and also I have learnt how to improve manufacturing instructions. I have developed skills in Microsoft excel in the work place. Also learnt skills with respect to lean management principles.

I enjoy my programme very much, the balance between academic work and on the job work is great. I also enjoy the fact that I'm treated as an adult and not the stereotypical apprentice treatment, I am trusted with my own responsibilities and expected to get on with my tasks like any other employee.

The programme has a structure of two days a week at college and two and a half days on placements. The placements are structured as 12 week placements currently, and will turn into four month or six month placements as of September, the structure of the programme wasn't great in the first couple months, due to issues with security clearance.

I receive full support from my employer, this is with regards to work, college and personal issues. There is a dedicated team for support within work and they assist with any work related issues, there is some staff for college issues however support not as great. As for personal issues the early careers team are always available as an addition to the businesses pre existing team.

Support from training provider is limited, the HNC currently being studied is treat as quite an independent qualification however help can be given if needed. There is basic lessons for the content however a lot of work is to be done independently and off your own back. The tutors will help if you actively ask for help though.

Currently the college work has not helped me in my role in the work place. I have only been in one work placement and this placement has not included anything that I have done in college, however I know there is placements I am to go on which do include work that can be cross referenced I just haven't encountered anything yet.

There is a range of extra curricular activities, there are numerous clubs that can be attended, also people network outside of work to organise social events. There is a first year football group which play football weekly at local sports centres. Also during June there is outward bound which is a week residential in Eskdale.

Yes

The opportunities in the business are endless. The job role I am currently in I enjoy, I enjoy coming to work which is something I have always aspired to do, and to have this at such a young age is great, also the pay is great for my age and being provided all my qualifications is brilliant.

Don't be hesitant due to competition of other applicants or volume of applicants, everyone has an equal chance of getting an apprenticeship. Go to careers fairs and talk to different functions and try understand each apprenticeship and choose the one most suited to yourself. Lastly, prepare for the assessment day, as it isn't easy!