Engineering Apprentice Review

Our day to day role is very similar to that of a fully qualified engineer. We are responsible for maintaining and improving the efficiency of the machines used to produce our products. As you progress and are deemed able to, you take on more of these responsibilities. Shadowing qualified personnel allows you to improve your skills which can then be put into practice whether they be problem solving on a breakdown or improving the process through projects.

During my apprenticeship I have learnt numerous new skills, many have been practical such as welding, milling and turning. However I have also had the chance to improve on my communications skills as communication is key to working effectively within our team. These are skills I would not have had the chance to learn through school. Internally we learn from qualified tradesmen who can pass on their experience of decades in the trade. Externally we learn from qualified teachers who have also been in the trade.

I enjoy the program I am doing as every day you are faced with a new problem which you can apply your training to to solve. The team I work within are always keen to help me progress. The work itself is interesting and the days fly over especially when we end up engrossed in a task.

We had three weeks of induction which introduced us to the company as a whole, its history, aims and where you fit within its structure. The company work closely with our training provider to ensure the most learning can be fit into the 4 years of our apprenticeship. If we every have any worries we can raise them with a designated company representative or the training provider and this ensures your worries are heard and dealt with.

The quality of support from our mentors can not be questioned. We are pushed to improve and given the resources and teaching to do so. They take note of our progress and ensure they they always strive to help us improve. Any questions that we have about our work or training provider can be raised confidently in the knowledge that you will be listened to and treated with respect.

The tutors themselves are all professionals, many of which have been in industry meaning they can apply their experiences. The provider produces resources and training to allow you to learn to your full capacity when you are there and encourage you to carry on learning when back at site. Any problems can be raised with the provider and if you are not satisfied with the response the company are the first people to back you to solve your problems.

Working the way that we do at the factory throughout the apprenticeship really helps us prepare for the role post apprenticeship. This is because the role as an apprentice follows our qualified roles so closely. You spend your apprenticeship learning and practicing the skills that you need when qualified so when you do finish your apprenticeship you feel comfortable and confident to fulfil your role.

We run a weekly football match that anyone at the factory can attend and it is a good way to network with people you may not normally get the chance to. When you're at college you live in student accommodation where you can make new friends and take part in social events ran by the accommodation.

Yes

From the first day of my apprenticeship I have been respected and encouraged to learn at every opportunity and that has allowed me to make the most of my apprenticeship. You are looked after by the company throughout the apprenticeship and feel like a valued member of the team. It is a great start to the rest of your career.

You must be ready to make the most of this opportunity. Learn as much as you can because this is the time to. Learning new skills and abilities now will make your career easier in the long run. You can learn something new from every person you come across if you treat them in the correct manner.