Apprentice Higher Mechanical Engineer Review

Looking at project definition documents to ascertain a need, something which needs to work in a different way. Collating information about the site in question from historical documents operational software and site visits and then using that information to develop solution designs which address the problem. Also providing technical assurance to the wider business.

Have learned how to use a wide variety of engineering software to help me gather data on sites and performance. Have learned how to apply design principles to the task in hand with both performance and economy in mind. Have learned how to build continuous professional development into my routine.

The programme is very enjoyable, I am constantly learning new things and developing as an engineer. I recieve lots of support from a very lovely team of people. I feel like i'm part of a larger team helping to do the best we can to provide a good service to the customers we have.

The programme is well structured and allows for a variety of things to be done. Main structure is one day a week in college and four days a week in work which works very well and strikes a good balance. Training provider is very good at structuring the course and ensuring theres enough time to get things done.

I receive as much support as I need, I have weekly one to ones with a number of colleagues which are an opportunity to talk about any issues I might have. Other than those I work at something as much as I can and when I need someone I always have people I can call on for the benefit of their experience.

The training provider for my apprenticeship is fantastic, they have excellent teachers and the course is well structured so it always feels like you are doing something new whilst also allowing enough time to complete any assignments you might need to do. Could not recommend University college Newbury enough. Excellent place to study.

The qualification helps by providing all of the underpinning knowledge and principles I need to help me do the job. Whilst some of the topics are not wholly relevant to the work I do they are important to have as background knowledge as an engineer so overall very happy with it.

The team are hard at work with this, trying to create a social network for apprentices within the company. Although there isnt much at the moment due to covid and some of the apprenticeship scheme being fairly new the apprenticeship team at Thames really are excellent at listening and planning for the things their apprentices want.

Yes

Thames is a great company to work for and will listen to you, help you grow and try to address any concerns you may have. Couldn't recommend them enough. I have not for a second regretted my decision to come and work for Thames and have loved every minute of the work ive done.

Take time to understand the main problems the business might face, while I have nothing but good things to say about the business they do have a hard job to do. Trying to deliver as much customer satisfaction as possible whilst dealing with a very old set of equipment is no mean feat. Think about some of the problems and how you might address them. Avoid just using buzzwords like 'social media' and 'internet of things' think why those things are useful and how they might be realistically applied. Most of all just apply, you wont regret it.