Higher Apprenticeship - Engineering Review

I am currently working within Control Engineering completing a job for an electricity supply board. On a day to day basis I am configuring the devices used within the system designed for the customer, designing a HMI (Human machine interface) that shows a single line diagram for the substation and testing the full system to ensure it meets the customers’ requirements.

Since starting at Siemens I have increased skills in understanding logic and the configuring of relays and BCUs, being able to wire and the devices and understand the drawings relating to the system. My communication skills have improved as well as I have to communicate with other members within my team as well as other teams such as the project managers and design team.

Overall at the beginning of the programme it was difficult to enjoy as at times there was little work for me to do and I struggled to understand the work that was done at Siemens. However, as I have developed my skills and increased my understanding I have been given more work and responsibility and began enjoying the work I am doing.

At the beginning there was little structure in place and when I was not at college over term breaks little work was set for me. However, once starting in the business full time a rotation plan was set up for me to know when I would be in each area of the business. More structure would be preferred as to what should be taught within the placements but that is currently being looked at.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have always had someone in the team supporting me and who was available for me to ask any questions I had about navigating the business as well as being there to answer any technical questions I may have relating to the work I was doing. Since starting the project I am currently working on I have had an engineer guiding me through the work who has always been available to solve any issues I had.

My training provider has kept up regular reviews with myself to ensure that I am gaining the knowledge needed and being taught what I should be. Within the reviews I can voice an issues I have and they will look at how these issues can be resolved or give me extra support if needed.

I completed a level 4 HNC in Electrical/Electronic Engineering through my training provider which has directly related to the work I carry at, within the qualification I was taught about three-phase systems and faults which is largely related to the work I am doing and has helped me better understand some of the systems we are designing and how best to test them.

Within Siemens there are fitness clubs set up during lunch as well as after work that anyone can join for free, football has been arranged weekly for anyone to come and play after work and there is also the option to have two days a year off work paid to carry out volunteering activities of your choice. Within some teams after work events are arranged such as escape rooms and go karting.

Yes

Siemens is a great place to being your career and develop your skills, they are invested in the younger generation and happy to help you further your academic career by putting you through higher qualifications such as degrees and masters as well as paying for a subscription to IET or other relevant institutes. Siemens also has extra benefits that other companies might not offer and social events such as Christmas parties and away days.

Show your interest within the work that is done or at least relevant hobbies that shows your passion for the work. Research some of the projects Siemens have been involved in to show your interest however at the interview they are more interested in you as a person rather than what you know about Siemens.