Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Review

I am training to become a mechatronics maintenance technician for manufacturing services. This involves ensuring that the manufacturing machinery is maintained in good working order. This involves planned maintenance and attending to when they occur. My current day to day role includes business placements at various facilities and attending college to gain the required qualification. In my third and forth year, I will spend the majority of my time within the business, gaining on the job skills and knowledge to pass my end point assessment.

I have learnt many new skills since starting my apprenticeship. The first year was predominantly spent within the training school learning foundation skills in a variety of fields from hand fitting, welding, electronics and electrical as well as engine assembly and mechanical maintenance. This has provided me with a large range of basic skills that will be useful on my day to day job. I have also learnt the theoretical side of manufacturing maintenance through college classes.

I have mixed feelings about the programme I am on. Overall, I really enjoy it however, there are some aspects that I find quite challenging and other that I do not enjoy as much. I really enjoy the hands on learning and being out in the business meeting and learning from those who work in the role I am training to do. I do find that the theory side can be challenging and on accessions very full on. But in the long run, it will all provide me with the knowledge I need to do my job.

Overall, the programme is organised well. Set objectives and timetables are provided. There are occasions when last minutes alterations are made to the timetable but this rarely happens. The full apprenticeship program is very clearly set out. You know what each year entails, what you should be achieving and when you should achieve it by. Regular reviews with your apprentice development leader ensures that you remain on target with your programme and receive additional support if required.

I have received a lot of support throughout my apprenticeship. If I have any concerns, I can raise these with my apprentice development leader and we can find a resolution. Trainers within the training school provide support on their specific sections and if needs be, you can access further company wide support through their various services. When out in the business, the people I work with and observe have all be very willing to help me gain new skills and knowledge.

Generally, I am able to access support from the training provider. Although this can sometimes take some time or be brief. The majority of tutors are willing to provide support and will put a lot of effort in supporting you. But sometimes the support can feel rushed or leave you more confused. With the current situation and the changes to how learning is provided, access to support from the training provider has become more difficult.

When I compare what I have experienced out within the business so far to the subjects being studied at college, I am unsure of the relevance some of these subjects have to what I will be doing when I qualify. As I have not yet started my permanent placements, I am unable to fully compare my college course to what my role involves. In the future, I may find that what I learnt at college is relevant.

There are several additional activities that you can get involved in along with several groups you can join. Sport teams include football and rugby. The AGA (apprentice, graduate association) hosts a variety of events throughout the year including social gatherings and sports. Rolls-Royce also have a sports and leisure centre where music events are hosted. Further information on the different activities that you can be involved in are normally provided at apprentice open evenings and during the business orientation.

Yes

The business is very people oriented and heavily invests in your training. They provide a good benefits package and are always encouraging their staff to gain new skills. The apprenticeship allows for both professional and personal development and the development team ensure that you are continually growing and meeting targets. They employee are very diverse work force. Colleagues are friendly and easy to get along with and everyone is willing to help you through your apprenticeship.

When you apply for an apprenticeship, make sure you do your research into the company. The assessment centre can feel very stressful but they are not there to trip you up and know that for many this is their first interview. The assessors will guide you though the assessment and interviews, but you need to show them that you committed by doing plenty of revisions and research prior to the assessment day. If you are successful and offered a position, it is a one time opportunity, put your best in and enjoy it. You will gain more if you work hard always try your best.