AE Apprentice Review

by Siemens

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Training at Tameside college. We have a number of different classes throughout the week that correspond to what we will lead upto completing our HND and HNCs and finally onto a degree. Classes covered include PLCs, programming, electronics, wiring, maths. Hours range from 3 a day to 9 a day.

6/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

New skills learnt include alot of aspects around electrical work. So wiring, cabling, creating circuit boards. I have built upon my math and programming skills while the course has been going on. Other skills that have been offered to us include welding and metal work which is a good basis for engineering as a whole.

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The program lead by Siemens is good. The teaching at Tameside college is very hit and miss. Some teachers are good and have good lessons plans and hand out material. Other teachers are not as prepared. The engineering facilities are very good however with a wide range of tools and equipment.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Not too bad. The timetable stays consistent and teachers are generally on time and prepared for the lesson. Other students can be noisy and loud through some lessons with teachers not always asking for quiet. All of the training is provided through Tameside college, with the odd day spent at Siemens.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Siemens and Emma are very supportive. Emma is avaiable and approachable at all times and responds to emails and texts quickly. She often comes to the college to make sure everyone is OK and holds performance reviews every few months which gives students a chance to catch up with her.

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Since it is tameside college that run the program, Siemens have little say or control over the teaching. We are able however to feedback to Siemens should any student have concerns about any aspects that take place during the course and I know a number of students have given feedback.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I think it will when we have started, however it's difficult to say at this moment because we have not started work yet.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

6/10

9a. Would you recommend Siemens to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The support has been good and they are a large established company that look after their employees and people who use their training.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Siemens?

To make full use of all training offered and always use help.