NDE Technician Review

I am not currently on the site so I do not yet have an idea of what I will be doing on a day to day basis once I transition over to site. At college, which is where I am at the moment, I have my lessons and I am also in the workshop once a week for experience.

I have developed multiple skills as well as gaining a few new skills throughout my time at college. On the practical side I have learnt some of the basics of TIG welding and in the mechanical workshop how to use a pillar drill. Skills that I have developed would be things like communication and team work from spending time in the classes at college.

I enjoy the programme as it is different to what I have previously completed, which was school. There is also the more practical side which I did not really have much experience in at school and learning how to weld although it has only been for a little while has been really enjoyable.

I think that the programme is well structured for the majority of the time. Missing some time due to starting late has affected the amount of time we have had to deal with the workload but apart from that I appreciate the effort to tutor all the students and give apprentices practical experience

I feel like the employer offers a lot of support to apprentices. Having a college liaison is also really useful as you can easily find someone to ask any questions that you have and they always communicate important information really quickly. The college liaison is also really approachable which is good if you have any problems

There is a lot of work to be completed for the qualification but the college have provided support for us to help us with the workload. We have been provided with extra tutor sessions for us to catch up with any work that we have outstanding or to let us guarantee that we hand in our assignments within the deadline

Although I have not been onto the site yet and I have not actually seen the full extent of my job role I feel like some subjects are unnecessary for apprentices of my job to improve their understanding. Also in terms of practical experience, apart from the last month of welding in the workshop I have had no practice of the testing that I would be completing on site.

At college I do not know of any extra curricular activities that are available. Although, this maybe because I have not actively looked to complete any as I have been focusing on work. I did apply for the apprentice council but that is the only activity that I have noticed as a good opportunity

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems as they are a global company that has a lot of opportunities for employees to progress themselves. Not only through the business but also as people and develop life skills. Also employees can gain qualifications that would be good enough to get many jobs all over the world.

That it is really important to know about the company that you are applying for and to know about the job role that you want to be doing. That way you can be as professional as possible when it comes to your interview and impress the people that you want to work for.