Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice Review

I’m a 2nd year apprentice in Mechanical Maintenance. I spend one day a week at college studying Engineering. I then spend the rest of my working week at AWE doing practical jobs, such as stripping and reassembling gearboxes and pumps, basic plumbing and assembling rigs. We also do theory work to gain an understanding of how things work and how we can apply that to practical tasks.

I have learnt the basics of how to use different hand tools, as well as spending 6 months learning how to operate pillar drills, grinding machines, lathes and milling machines to produce small hand tools such as an engineers square, a drill gauge, a horseshoe clamp and a horseshoe clamp screw. I have also learnt how to do a complete overhaul of vacuum pumps, gear boxes, compressors and fans. As well as, learning how to maintain and assemble pipework for both water and steam systems and how to assemble rigs with precision shaft alignment.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship with AWE and it has completely exceeded my expectations. The managers and mentors offer great support and are always there to help you with any issues or queries you may have. The other apprentices are really good at helping each other out, it's just a really nice working atmosphere there. The best thing about my job is the opportunities to work on something new and different everyday. I love coming up against new challenges and just spending time figuring out solutions – it gives me a great sense of achievement!

The structure at AWE is really good. When you first join, there is an induction period, where apprentices learn how the company works and who to go to for support to help ease new starters in. Every morning there will be a team meeting, this is where the instructors will deliver any messages to the apprentices. We will also use this time to make a task plan for the day to ensure that everyone knows what they are working on and to ensure everyone gets the right support and guidance for the task. We are also given realistic deadlines for the completion of tasks. AWE make sure that everyone knows how to safely operate all machinery and equipment and do this by inducting every apprentice on these machines. We attend college once a week, it is here that we have structured lessons to work towards gaining our BTEC Level 3 in Engineering. We are usually given a couple of weeks to complete each assignment and support is always available from the college via email.

The managers and instructors at AWE are always happy to help you resolve any problems or issues, they always make sure to show you how to carry out a task safely and effectively. The management team also ensure that we are getting the right support from college too, so that every aspect of the apprenticeship is running smoothly. The company also offer great support for any issues outside of the workplace to support your health and mental wellbeing. AWE are actively involved in many charities and organisations (such as Stonewall, WISE, ENEI and the 5%Club) to ensure they create a workplace that is inclusive, supportive and safe for everybody.

The College are good at providing support to all of the apprentices. They carry out checks to ensure that we are understanding the subject being taught and they set us homework to practice the subject at home. We can contact our tutors at any time via email for help and guidance.

At college we studied many different units that have helped us in the workplace. We studied a Mechanical Maintenance unit, this helped us to gain an understanding of consumable parts, which then gave an insight into components that would need to be checked when maintaining mechanical equipment. At college we have learnt about different types of gears, bearings, lubrications, gaskets, belts etc. and where they are best used.

When you first join AWE, apprentices are taken away for a few days to an activity centre, this gives you an opportunity to get to know the other apprentices and take part in activities such as climbing, archery, cycling etc. It's really good fun! AWE has a recreational society, it is here that you can participate in sports such as football, cricket, tennis (and many more!). There is also a craft club where you can take part in paper crafts, painting, sewing etc. You can even go the Rec Soc for a drink and a meal with your work colleagues.

Yes

I chose AWE over other apprenticeships because it is a reputable company that has offered excellent training through apprenticeships for over 40 years. I chose an apprenticeship here at AWE because I liked the idea of learning on the job and working in a hands-on environment. Personally, I’m a visual learner, so I find getting stuck in with practical tasks and seeing how things work is a great way to gain knowledge and learn new skills. It’s something I really enjoy! The benefits and perks of working for AWE are really generous. We work a 9 day fortnight, this means we get every weekend off and every other Friday off. They also offer a fantastic pension scheme and the pay is pretty good too! There are lots of opportunities to develop your skills and gain further qualifications, even when your apprenticeship has finished. The managers and mentors also offer great support and are always there to help you with any issues or queries you may have. It's a brilliant place to work!

For the interview, just keep calm! I worried so much before mine (interviews are scary), but all I really needed to do was just keep calm, be myself and try my best. It's always really useful to research the company and know as much about them as you can! If engineering is something you’re interested in and you enjoy hands-on, practical tasks, then an engineering apprenticeship at AWE is definitely for you! AWE also offer many other apprenticeships, including Engineering, IT, Business Admin, Finance and science based apprenticeships. So have a look and see what else they have to offer too.