Mechanical engineering apprentice Review

by AWE

Rating

2.5/10

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

My role consists of carrying out maintenance tasks to complete and then provide a job write up after. As well as a breakdown of college work if the company allows it

3/10

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

First half of the year is completely wasted doing machining tasks before you even touch maintenance. Instructors are no where to be found when in need of there assistance which hold you back half a day just waiting to move onto the next part. Everyone is treated like children not professionals

3/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

At the moment not enjoying it at all, the best bit about the whole process was the assement day which was incredibly professional and met some great members of the awe team. Unfortunately this hasn't been a reflection of the skills academy.

3/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I beleive the programme hasn't changed much in years and needs a serious kick. But what does exist is structured but subject to change.

3/10

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

When you can finally find someone free to come help or talk to you they will do so. They offer almost no help with college work which is a huge bulk of the work during the apprenticeship and have a chip on their shoulder about spending time doing it. Which can't all be done out of hours.

3/10

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

Reading College has been one of the most un organised and ill disciplined establishments I have ever been apart of. So much so it has led to multiple teachers of there's being fired or leaving through stress. Everything is self taught at home through YouTube.

1/10

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

It covers a broad spectrum of engineering qualifications but a lot of it so far will be un used in my actual job role of a mechanical maintenance engineer. But I understand you need a all round knowledge to build upon if I was to ever choose a different engineering path.

3/10

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.)

1/10

9a. Would you recommend AWE to a friend?

9b. Why?

AWE as a company I beleive and hope could be completely different to the training establishment known as the skills academy. It has its pros and cons but from what I know of it atm I feel increasingly let down by the skills academy. My only hope is when I qualify the company will re spark my interest.

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

It is perfectly suited for school leavers and will provide great opportunity for your future as long as you can get your head down and grizz out the terrible money and college organisation. The AWE work is relatively simple if your switched on. After that it should be simple