Toolmaker Review

I am a toolmaker apprentice, this job consists of completing modification, repair and preventative maintenance on the press tools that are used to manufacture panels. The job will vary day to day, with preventative maintenance conducted to stop issues occurring, modification to change the panel and repair to fix something that has broken. This involves hand skills like grinding and fitting, as well as conventional and CNC machining disciplines.

Throughout the apprenticeship I have learnt and developed many skills, including machining like drilling, milling and turning - as well as the hand fitting disciplines. These have all developed over the years and improved with time and the exposure to work and issues that have occurred, improving and developing the disciplines slowly over time with the skilled workers always available for help if required.

I have enjoyed the programme that I am completing as part of the apprenticeship. The day release after the first year gives plenty of time to complete the work and balance it with the work needed to be completed for the NVQ and EPA at work. This has satisfied the expectations of the programme.

The programme has been structured well with the day release more than enough time to complete the HNC, with the four days at work more than enough time to do the NVQ and EPA sides of the apprenticeship. The units completed have satisfied all of the aspects of knowledge that I have required whilst in work.

I have received support throughout the apprenticeship whenever it has been required. The company make it clear throughout that if ever you require help or time it is available if you let them know. Also in terms of training and personal development the courses conducted and completed are more than suitable for the role.

My training provider gives support when gaining my qualifications, with regular reviews and development meetings conducted to ensure that I am on track and completing the work to the required plans and schedules. I have enjoyed the relationships with the training providers and mentors as they always ensure that I understand and am completing the work to the best of my capabilities.

The qualification sets you up for the workplace and all units and knowledge gained go some way to your development once in the workplace. This has helped me understand many aspects of the job and disciplines enabling optimal performance in the role.

Yes, every year there is a mountain challenge - enabling cross plant communication and socializing and meeting other people in roles similar to yourself across the network. Also at the start of the apprenticeship we go to an outdoor adventure park, meeting the others in our year and beginning to build bonds with them before beginning the apprenticeship.

Yes

Because I feel that the apprenticeship has left me with core knowledge and skills that I can develop and improve over time - in terms of practical work and academic work.

I would say to be yourself throughout the application process, it is quite a long process however if you give each stage 100 per cent it is an easy process to follow. I would also say that some work experience may be beneficial before applying and any other engineering experience would be advantageous.