Naval Architect Review

I am currently on placement with the commissioning group in devonport royal dockyard working as a test engineer to test things on submarines such as tanks. I cannot go into a lot of detail due to the nature of the work and classification of nuclear working with the Royal Navy. I work 4 days a week and have a college day on Fridays

Yes I have learnt a lot of new skills, especially in my first year at college when I was doing the practical learning, where I learnt how to weld with all forms of welding, as well as lots of metal working techniques which have helped my in and out of work

I very much enjoy my program as I feel the balance of practical and theoretical work is very comfortable. Everyone I have worked with have been really helpful and keen to help me learn and do a better job of what I am doing. I would recommend a higher level Apprentaship

I have a 4 year planner in which I get a brief overview of what subjects and topics I will cover each year. As I am doing a higher level apprenticeship, the course gets changed and tailored to suit me as I progress and decide what job I want at the end of my course, then I get the topics which will best set me up for that job

I get a lot of support from my employer such as study days before exams in which I don’t have to do my normal job role, instead I come to work but study and revise for exams. I can also contact my apprentice development manager anytime, and he will get back to me same day

I can talk to my apprentice development manager at any time about my course and qualifications as well as my experience with teachers and lecturers and they work to ensure that I am happy and have everything I need to comfortably get the qualifications I need. They are very good

My current training is more general engineering which helps me have a better base understanding of my surroundings when at work as well as a base appreciation for work I see going on. As my course progresses the theory will become more specific to my job role so that will help me more

There was some when I was in my first year through the college, but I am not aware of any from my employer. However the other apprentices often organise social events and sports in our own time so I see the other apprentices outside of work quite often which is good

Yes

They treat you incredibly well, and because they are such a large company they have so many resources to help you. The pay is incredibly good for any job let alone an apprenticeship. There is a lot of structure and support specifically put in place for apprentices in all year intakes

I think Babcock are looking at apprentices as an investment in their future, so they are looking for you to have a strong commitment and be looking at your own career in a long term sense. If you are coming out straight from school and starting your first year, it is all in college, so it is important you make the switch from acting like you are at school, to acting like you are at work, which can be hard in the college environment