Advanced Technical Apprentice Review

My day to day roll involves helping lead engineers with work on test cells such as writing insturctions for the test cycles to run, checking data and comparing data. However, i also get called for side tasks such as reviewing the test cell installation checker and taking photos of engines that are being toredown to check that all the parts are how theyre expected to be then relaying this information back to a customer or work colleague.

During my time at Cummins and during my training ive picked up a vairety of new skills such as CNC machining, using milling machines and lathes as well as as well as becoming more efficient in the work place. This has come from practicing using these machines and also being helped by colleagues and some of the higher apprentices who have the experience that i need and have done the stuff im doing recently. Each day ive spent here ive learned something new and had help off everyone i work with.

I've enjoyed each moment of the programme so far, each day on the job presents a new challenge with soemthing I havent done before and gives me an oppurtunity to learn and follow a more experienced member of staff so when it comes to that problem again I've got the knowledge to be able to fix the problem myself. I think the fact of having sucha willing and friendly team that takes there time to explain how and what is occuring make this place even better to work as you know someone will always help if you ask.

The structure had been well organised however due to COVID-19 its been a bit of a struggle as not many have been in the plant bar only the odd few. However now that people are slowly returning to work there has been more organisation as i have finally started my roatation and am now settling in. I have bi-monthly apprentice review meetings with different members of staff who're in high postitions to check my progress so far and give me ffedback on my performance both in college and in the workplace.

My manager gives me regular feedback within the apprentice team meeting which is every two weeks, where he goes through and asks about what projects I'm up too and what i will be doing over the coming weeks, then every two months i have a bi-monthly review which takes a more in depth look at the work ive been producing and the logbook I have kept to track all the jobs i have been doing.

Before COVID caused us to go into lockdown we were in full-time at college apart from the holidays and while we were there we recieved support on both the PEO and HNC work we were doing, when doing the paperwork the technician from the college who had helped us with the practical gave us feedback and knowledge on what to research to help with the under pinning knowledge questions. In HNC we had a weekly lesson with our tutor and he would often take time to help with any questions about the work.

Doing this qualification has helped me undertsand work place temperament and also techniques and skills that are transferable between both the training and workplace. Just before COVID occurred two cummins engines were brought up to the college for us to start work on however I never had chance due to the college having to close. The machining and practical skills gave me some practice of what i will be doing in the workplace and i have gained knowledge on my role.

Yes Cummins offers a Sports and Society program that includes a range of events and access to the onsite gym as well as having social catch-upd. They also have a program called EEEC or Every Employee Every Community. This is where the apprentices form a variety of rolls throughout the community to help in different ways. This can include anything from meetings with people promoting cummins, to going to primary and secondary schools to interest young children and performing tasks to help clean the local community.

Yes

I would recommend cummins to a friend as it offers a high quality apprenticeship with a very good training college who take there time to prepare you well for a transition into the factory and once in the factory they willl be part of a well worked team with all people from 2nd,3rd and 4th year apprentices to managers all willing to help them and progress into the future with the company. It is a very nice working environment and you will be surrounded by great people who take time to help and improve you as you progress through your career.

With applying to cummins the easiest thing is just be yourself, make sure everyone knows what kind of person you are and what previous but relevant things youve done that would look well on you, when it comes to the assessment day all you can do is try your best and present yourself well such as being early, well dressed and prepared and the same goes with the interview have confidence in yourself you know your own abilities so let other people see them.