Manufacturing craft apprentice Review

My role consists of a lot of things. Primarily as a skilled machinest I will operate a section of a line with many machines in each section. This will include fault fixing and problem solving. I may have to do offset moves or toll changes to ensure that the line continues operating in order to hit required production output.

I have learnt a vast amount under this apprenticeship and a large proportion of that is understanding 5 axis machining centers and how they operate. This also includes writing programs for the GROB machines which has learnt me how to write NC code. On top of all the theory is the physical element as well which will include fault finding on machine and fixing it whether that's a leak or a problem with the tool magazine etcetera there are so many different faults and everyday is a learning day

The apprenticeship program has been extremely good all in all and has taught me a great deal about things I had not the slightest idea of. It is really challenging and takes a long time to get to grasps with all the different aspects of the job and is definitely something you have to take your time with.

The organisation and structure should of been better. Even though there were many great obstacles along the way through this apprenticeship that arnt usually issues the apprenticeship should of been better organised along the way. However we were the first to attempt this manufacturing crafts apprenticeship and both ourselves and the company have learned a lot about it

I receive as much support as I require. Throughout my NVQ I have required lots of help with many different things and people are always willing to make time for you and are extremely welcoming to apprentices. I did not find any issues getting the required help I needed and the company is always willing to listen to any concerns

Again one great thing about this company is that if you put the time in then so will other people to help you get through anything no matter what it is. If they can help then they will help with anything that you may require and they enjoy sharing there knowledge with you

There are certain aspects I would change like what courses were done in the first year of the apprenticeship. However some courses that were done set us in good stead to come into the business with a basic level of understanding across different aspects to help us settle in easier

At the moment due to the crazy last two years we have had due to covid there is nothing although I have saw football trophies in some areas across the lines which means there are set activities. And at the start of the apprenticeship we went to skern Lodge which was an amazing problem solving activity and included mixing with other plants and really networking with other branches within the company and I would do it again in a heart beat

Yes

The work is challenging to learn but once you have learnt it becomes so much more easier. You are working for a big company that is going to be around for many years to come with a good wage and each aspect of the job is safe as does not make you have to do to much physical activity.

There are great benefits to the company and if you do not get the job the first time around don't give up the company recognise people applying more than once and it shows how keen that individual is and it provides and opportunity to go away and get further education like a level three engineering course which would put you in perfect stead for this job role