Craft apprentice Review

The first half of the apprenticeship is learning the basic skills within the skills academy that are required in order to become a good engineer. You are given various projects that ensure that you have the appropriate skills for when you go out into the business. As you develop those skills, you are sent out into the business where you could be doing various jobs across the business

Within the academy, you learn the basic skills needed to become a good engineer. These basic skills need to be done to the highest standard to ensure that you are competent to do particular jobs. I have gained new skills within the academy doing mechanical and electrical engineering for example, learning how to use PLC's which are used in many engineering applications.

I enjoy my apprenticeship programme. I have been able to meet new people and learn new skills. Knowing that you are being paid to learn skills is always great. You are given lots of work to do so there are not moments where you have nothing to do. Theres always something to do.

My particular apprenticeship programme is new and inevitably when something new is implemented, some things do go wrong. There were a few issues with the first part of the programme where there was alot of confusion with what units needed to be covered. However, these issues have started to be ironed out.

Employer support is great. I have had no issues with approaching a line manager if I had any issues. The instructors are there to support you through your apprenticeship and will help you if you have issues. AWE has a great support system in place. They give you access to mental health support and remote GP's if you do experience any issues.

The training provider has clear units that need to be completed in order to become a competent engineer. The units are split into two sections. The first section is the practical work that meets the criteria of the unit. The next section are the knowledge questions which ensures you understand the contents of the unit.

The qualification has definitely helped me perform better in my role. The training provider ensures that I have the correct skills to become a competent engineer. One of the things that is very important are the health and safety skills. For example, ensuring that you and others are meeting legislation and regulations.

There are various events that go on within the company. In the academy, they do annual Christmas events that the apprentices organise. There are other events such as charity events and going into other schools and colleges to advertise AWE's apprenticeship. The academy have their own committee that organise extra events.

Yes

AWE is a great company to work for. There are various opportunities in the business and at the end of the apprenticeship, you are guaranteed a job. You are able to meet many new people and gain experience from people that have been in the business for many years. In general, its a great place to learn and gain experience.

Ensure that you have a well laid out CV and make sure you read any information that you may need for the application process. Ensure you dress smartly for your interview! Try and get involved in the assessment days, this will help you socially and impress the employers. Get involved in extra curricular activities.