Support Engineer Apprentice Review

My job role can vary greatly across the company, as their are many different placements where the role I am training for can be used. So far, I have had placements where I assisted with the planning stages for a submarine maintenance project, as well as helped within the department responsible for chasing and tracking the path of documentation around the site.

I have learnt some skills across my apprenticeship. The 1st year covered mostly practical skills which taught me a lot about mechanical systems, hydraulic systems, hand skills, using computer systems like CAD, and various others. During my second year which has been based on the worksite, I have mainly learned computer skills like using excel for spreadsheets and other software.

When I applied for the programme, I was initially under the impression I would be carrying out more practical based day to day tasks, which I feel I would find more enjoyable. Instead, my role is office based which I do not get a lot of enjoyment from, and I also feel that we do not get a great deal of responsibility as apprentices which can be frustrating.

In some ways, the programme is well structured as we have plans in place that show our placements, as well as meetings with development managers who can be helpful in giving us a forward path. However, often we are left waiting for important equipment necessary for our roles. Management can be disorganised which leaves us often confused with certain aspects of our role.

Support is in place generally if required. We are given contact numbers and departments to go to if they are ever needed by us. With such a large company, asking superiors for help can be quite hit and miss. Some are always willing to give support and others can be reluctant and not very helpful..

During the first year, I felt that the training I was given was very useful and I feel that I learnt a lot and knew the path I was heading towards. In the second year, it took a while for me to even be made aware of how the qualifications I am working towards work and what I need to do to gain them. I feel the teaching this year has not been great.

The training course and qualifications I am working towards have very little relevance to my actual job role. As a result of this, not only was I surprised what my day to day roles ended up being, but also as to why this qualification has been assigned to this job role.

I am aware of various extra curricular activities in place in the workplace however I do not myself make use of them. The college I attend has various activities that I have the opportunity to get involved in as a student, and my employer as well also has clubs and activities I could get involved with

No

I can only answer for the experience I have in my particular role, which I have not found very enjoyable. I believe it was advertised differently to the reality of the role. I also think that because the company is so big, apprentices are often swept under the carpet, not taken seriously and ignored. However, the companies has good benefits.

For many, this may be the perfect employer, but I would advise them to research and enquire into what exactly their job role would be. When applying, work on a good project to pitch in an interview and talk about in detail. There are many opportunities with the company if you choose to take them.