apprentice engineer Review

Within my apprenticeship we are required to move across several departments for 6 months at a time. In each department we learn how they assist business operations and the different types of software they use. We also go to college on a one day a week day release to complete our level 3 qualification.

Yes, I have learnt a lot about improving speaking face to face in a professional manner and also speaking on the phone to customers or sales engineers. In addition through exposure in different departments I have been able to gain vast product knowledge and a better understanding of Schneider as a business.

I have really enjoyed being able to meet a lot of new people and visit different sites which specialise in different operations. It has been a great apprenticeship for me to have a more complete idea of what role I would like to do in the future and which avenues appeal to me more.

Our apprenticeship is well organised and we are able to influence which departments we would like to try and shadow to a certain degree. There is a clearly laid out plan and it is explained at the beginning how you will develop in the business.

Schneider are always available to be contacted if you have any issues which you would like to discuss privately. We have monthly 121 meetings with our manager in which you can explain whether you are happy with the amount of work you are being provided with etc.

I have received mixed support from Telford College, they are always willing to listen to a students views, but sometimes acting on this is an issue. Furthermore, their organisation is not the best but the teachers aim to support as much as possible.

There is a lot of transferable theory from our course which can help us learn more at work. For example most of the electrical principles apply to testing breakers and these sort of tasks. However, in some departments this is not something which we would use it depends what section of the business you are in.

I aim to get involved in the social activities that are being held when I can such as ghetto golf or christmas parties etc. I believe it is important to try to socialise with colleagues as well as work with them as this builds a better overall working relationship and therefore a stronger team.

Yes

They have been a very supportive business to me and have helped me to develop as a person and as an employer beginning his role as an engineer.

Do not worry if you are unsure what job you want to do once you have finished the apprenticeship. As there are so many opportunities within the scheme to help you evaluate what you prefer to do as a career.