Machinist Review

I am currently in 3rd year as a machining apprentice I work 3 days on site and a day in the training centre for FE my usual day on site is work on the machines this being loading, workpiece prep and ensuring the correct programs are entered into the machine and then running the programs required for the workpiece.

I have learnt many new skills these including things such as hand skills and learning how to use a machine independently as before starting I didn’t have a clue what to do when it came to machining now I can clock up, program and load jobs with confidence. I have also increased my people skills and now a lot more confident when talking to people that I would of never had the confidence to do so.

Thoroughly enjoy my job and wouldn’t switch it for the world, doesn’t feel like work, great workforce ready to help you with whatever you are struggling with. Never have to rush around as this can cause jobs to be scrapped expected to take care in what you do and check it all to ensure perfection for customers.

It is well structured but can be improved especially with FE as still waiting on certificates from first year. Other than that it is pretty well organised and will provide you with training and milestones set for when things should be completed and such. On site organisation is key to meet delivery deadlines.

Support from my employer can be attained in many ways be this from your manager to HR to the union dependent on what is required. Financial support in the form of loans can also be attained from the onsite credit union to go towards things such as weddings or getting a new car.

Their is plentiful support with qualifications from the company supplied skills coaches, with FE on the other hand support is there but you would have to ask for it and keep bringing it up when help is needed, I’ve not really required much support from the FE since starting this is just what I’ve heard.

The qualification has helped me perform better in my role as it has given me a better insight to the machines and tools I use, I feel that without this I would still be struggling when working on the machines as i would not have the knowledge gained from the qualification.

There are plentiful extra curricular activities to take part in this can be things such as sport activities or becoming a part of the STEM team, you can also help out with integrating first years be this going with them on their team building week at outward bound and also helping out at interviews and also visiting customers or other sites.

Yes

It is an excellent company to work for and there is a very healthy workforce that will do anything out their way to help you out as an apprentice. You also get paid while you learn and this is a considerably good amount for an apprentice. When help is required you will get it no matter what and there’s always someone to talk to. A very stress free environment

Know what we do and make at all sites especially our main UK sites and be prepared if successful on the online application and tests for your interview as you will really have to sell yourself as this is a well sought after apprenticeship. A project will also be asked for when invited for an interview preferably engineering related but many have done from other fields and many have been successful with these. If you are thinking of applying go for it and next applications open end of this year.