Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

I am a Higher Engineering Apprentice, which means my company is playing for my university studies up to Masters level. I rotate around the different engineering departments in the business in order to learn where my strengths lie and what aspect of engineering I enjoy the most, in order to apply for the job I really want at the end of the course.

This year, I will finish my foundation degree in aerospace computer systems and an NVQ4 in Engineering Leadership, and move on to a bachelors degree. I have an NVQ2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an ILM3 in Team Leading, and have even had the opportunity to learn first aid with St Johns Ambulance service. I have improved my leadership and organisational skills by participating in the training my workplace send us to all around the country.

I love working for GE; the culture of the company is having an open mind, and working with integrity.

Highly valued; we are always given important tasks to deal with and are the main outward-facing part of the company (we continually represent GE all over the UK).

The program is excellently organised; we know exactly which qualifications and work we'll be doing years ahead. There is a great deal of guidance from mentors, and support from all of our managers.

We are given 3 mentors who can help us deal with situations and issues of all magnitudes, and always feel supported in the things that we do. We have a safe work environment where it's okay to make mistakes and learn as we go.

As much as we need. Sometimes I can get on with work for weeks at a time without needing any help, whereas other times I'll need to be going to mentors/buddies/managers and friends every 10 minutes to work past the problems I have!

I'm earning more in this apprenticeship than a lot of my friends are coming out of university with a degree. The salary covers my living costs many times over, and the bonuses I get for working with GE save me hundreds of pounds a year.

There are an incredible amount of opportunities that we can take hold of outside of work. The lifestyle account that GE half-funds gives a brilliant allowance to work on improving yourself, and the different events we get to attend are well worth signing up for.

Yes

I can apply the things I'm learning in my degree as soon as I get back in work, my degree is paid for me, the salary is fantastic, and the personal growth I've gained from the course is phenominal!

Stand out. GE isn't looking for straight As (the degree they put you on will teach you what you need to know).; they're looking for a good team player, who has a passion for solving problems.