Year 1 Apprentice Review

I am a first year apprentice which currently means that I am at my training provider and learning the skills that I will need later on. You usually rotate the units that you are doing every 6 weeks and all of them have an element of practical and theoretical work. Alongside this we have one day a week of BTEC college which is all classroom based.

I have developed many new skills as I do not have a background in engineering so everything for me is a first. It has been very interesting to learn how to use precise measuring and marking out equipment in order create a piece of work that is up to standard. Learning the skill of soldering has been very valuable as well.

I really enjoy the program as it very much suits my style of learning, as I do not get on well with completely academic learning. This means the practical work really helps to break up the week and even the classroom based learning makes more sense as it is routed in practical situations and you can see how you'll apply it.

The program is structured very well and would usually be well organised, however, due to Lockdown restrictions our start date was pushed back. This means that some of the structure of the NVQ relating to the BTEC has been thrown out. IPS International as a whole lacks a bit in communication but BAE themselves are very good.

Yes

They are a great and really friendly company and right from the start you feel very welcomed. Engineering itself does not appeal to everyone, but for those that do find it appealing BAE are one of the best bets of getting into it. The apprenticeship itself sets you up perfectly for working in the company and engineering as a whole.

Try your best with each of the units that you do as it is very rewarding to do a good job and you will get the best out of it in the long run. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions or ask for help as the people around you are very kind and helpful.