Welding apprentice Review

As an apprentice welder each day we learn the fundamentals of the trade both in theory sessions in the classroom and practical sessions in the workshop. We cover things such as health and safety, and the different types of welding which include MIG, TIG, and stick welding. After each practical session we also review our workpieces to give ourselves feedback which will help us improve in the future.

Having never welded before I started the apprenticeship with a very basic knowledge of the trade. Being on the apprenticeship has taught me a lot of new skills as well as developed my current knowledge on health and safety as well as different procedures that the company uses such as good to go/safe to work books. This makes sure that each time I start a new job I have checked that everything is in place for me to do it to the best of my ability while also being as safe as possible.

I get a lot of enjoyment out of this programme as no two days are the same and each day I am learning new skills, as well as improving my practical skills for the job. I enjoy the interaction with the tutors and learning from their life/work experience to improve myself.

I think there is a fair balance to each part of the programme. We have plenty of time to go over the theoretical side of the welding practice with being in a classroom for two days. This gives us time to cover the various regulations that are in place. And being in the workshop for three days give us plenty of time to be hands on on the job to develop our skills in the different weld practices.

The employer is very keen to support me/us in any way possible. There has been plenty of informative talks describing the different ways the employer can help if we feel we ever need any, no matter how personal we feel the issue may be we know there is always help on hand, we just have to ask.

The employer supports us in a number of ways. There is plenty of help on hand to help us in both the theory and practical side of our work. As our tutors are experienced in the trade themselves, any questions we have they are more than helpful in answering them.

It gives me the experience and the knowledge I need to perform the different aspects of the job I am required to do. The training I receive keeps me up to date with all the health and safety regulations I need also which is very important in the high risk job/role that I am in.

There is a form of council that we can volunteer on to help try to improve facilities etc at the college. You can also volunteer in different events to help raise money for different charities. We habe also taken part in the fit for work scheme which promotes a healthy lifestyle to help improve employees fitness.

Yes

BAE Systems is a forward thinking company that is committed to delivering world class training to individuals. They are a world renowned company with job opportunities around the world and in a number of different roles/trades. They treat everyone fairly and there is always somebody to help you no matter what you may be struggling with.

You will get out of it what you put in. Always work to the best of your ability and the opportunities you will come across will be endless. Try and get involved in as much as possible and learn as much as you can from the vast number of experienced professionals that work at the company.