Higher level mechanical apprentice Review

I work in hands on placement 4 days a week and one day at college gaining the qualifications and fundamental understanding. When in the yard hands on I complete small manageable tasks under the supervision of a mentor. These are to ensure I gain an understanding of the work that goes in all over the yard.

I’ve learnt a lot of technical skills related to the engineering industry and developed my use of tools and equipment to be more proficient. It’s also improved my people skills as you interact with a variety of different trades, organisations and companies to achieve the final goal effectively.

There are slow days when there are lulls in the workload, however generally I have a great time. I’ve met a lot of brilliant people who make the work day enjoyable, whilst also passing on knowledge and experience. It can be tricky balancing work, college and free time and this can be stressful but other apprentices always help you through.

The overall structure for the apprenticeship is well planned out, whilst still being flexible enough to suit individual people and the route you choose to take. The college side definitely lets down the side with a serious lack of organisation being present since the start of my apprenticeship, however the company try their best to accommodate and allow us extra time to work on college tasks.

I feel I receive plenty of support from my employer. I can contact my apprenticeship development manager easily with any queries or concerns and I feel listened to. If I require any extra training or revision time for exams they are generally willing to provide. During covid the communication did lack slightly once we were sent home for quarantine, however this was a crazy time for everyone.

My training provider is quite lacking in support. I often feel overwhelmed and stressed with little time to complete coursework and often feel underprepared for exams. The teaching is unorganised and I have completed the majority of the qualifications so far by teaching myself the material on the weekends and evenings.

The information and knowledge I gain from my training provider is sometimes relevant to my role but often not. I have completed a few modules which will hold no relevance in my future career at all. However, other modules have provided me with a brilliant core understanding of general engineering principles which can be applied in a variety of situations.

There are a few different networks I am vaguely aware of and a few social organisations. I don’t really know much about any of them and wouldn’t know how to get involved and join. I think these may be more important later in my career as currently I have little spare time for extra-curricular or networking, with work and college I’m pretty busy.

Yes

It’s a good way to gain qualifications and be paid to do it. You get real life experience on the tools and a good career prospect at the end of the apprenticeship. It’s not always the easiest but I think it builds a good foundation for a solid engineering understanding.

To be open to anything and take up any of the opportunities given as they can lead to exciting things. Also it’s important to bond with other apprentices as you really help carry each other through it and get invested in each other to ensure you succeed as a cohort.