Mechanical Technician Review

My day usually starts on an machine either a lathe or a mill. At this time I am working on a project for college so my days vary a lot: I could either be on the computer doing written work, Computer Assisted Design (CAD) or working on the mill or lathe making parts for the project.

I did not have any experience with machining before I started my apprenticeship and my skills have grown as I've been working with the help from my college and my work colleagues. I've learnt of the many different ways to produce a product and all of the different tolls that can help me with making the product its self.

I really enjoy the work and everyone I work with. They are always happy to help if I have a problem and create a calm environment which means i can produce a product to the highest quality. I've never had any problems with the people in my work and externally at college.

At my work place it's self there is a lot of support for me and it seems well organised. But within my college the structure does not seem to be there. The teaching is at a high quality but there is little support for certain people all the lessons feel rushed.

My employers HR team is always happy too help and they give quick and helpful responses. Most people within the workshop act as my mentor and are very useful. My line manager is a skilled craftsman but there is a lack of communication. however he is always happy to help when it is needed.

My original training provider [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] lacked organisation but it was still quality teaching and everyone got on well and there was a great attitude towards suporting us. My current training teaches us well but there is very little support and the attitude towards us was not great. A lot of the people in my year felt like we had been pushed aside and the provider didn't really care about us.

The qualification helped me and training provider helped me learn the basics and the theory I learnt within college has helped me on many occasions especially mechanical principles and maths. However electrical theory was not very useful due to the nature of my work and has never been used by me in a practical setting.

There has not been many extra activities at the university but there has been social events such as Christmas parties where I got to meet other people within the department and a apprentice awards event where I got to meet other apprentices and I was for the best second year apprentice

Yes

The qualifications that you get from working at the university you get is great and the university will always look after their employees leaving them with a secure job and many benefits. The wages for apprentices is also great and can leave someone with a good head start in life.

During your interview try not to feel nervous. Be confident in yourself because the people interviewing you will be nice people. I would've liked too improve my CV before I applied but the employers do understand that for apprenticeships most of their interviewees will not have much if any experiance.