Machinist Review

I make things out of metals which meet the dimensions and tolerances given on the drawings. We have two breaks, one at 10 o'clock, and one at 1 o'clock. During the day I would talk to my colleagues, and have constant communication with my task manager so help is there if I need.

I have learnt so many skills. I came to the company with no knowledge of machining at all and now am able to operate lathes, mills, pillar drills etc quite happily. It has also made me develops as a person and learn social skills and maturity, alongside the hands on skills.

Overall I am content at the company. I am not always sure that machining is for me long term but I feel happy enough to talk to people about changing my job role at some point and I know that is something the company offers. I like the people at work and the job is satisfying.

The whole structure of the apprenticeship has been lost due to the coronavirus, which obviously isnt the companies fault. Although getting placements has been really tough for some people and some people find themselves endlessly waiting for one. I really feel sorry for these people and I would say placements should be organised way before even employing the next batch of apprentices, because even with the restrictions lifting, there is no space for people.

Overall I would say there is a good support team that I can go to if I ever felt like I had an issue. My line manager and task manager are very approachable and good at there job so I know they will help me if they can. As an apprentice I haven't had much communication with anyone apart from my manager, colleagues etc but I have heard from people that you can talk to people all over site with issues.

After a day at college we would be spoken to about how the day went and if there are any concerns. This is good support. Also for some assignments we were allowed to use the workshop and any books/ drawings we wanted. Apart from college, guidance is always available and the instructors are helpful. Although I would seriously urge c9 to employ another instructor, I have been waiting up to 2 hours before to get help because the instructors are too busy. It not fair on them or us.

Overall I think the training has helped me. Coming into the company knowing nothing and now being out on site able to do what is asked of me quite happily, is all down to the guidance and training I got in the academy. College hasn't been as helpful though when it comes to my day to day job.

Because of covid there havent been many social events available. Although recently there has been a speaking competition and a machining convention available for all apprentices, which is good. The company are obviously trying to get back to normal now we're living with covid and you can fault them for that.

Yes

The main thing I love about AWE is the flexibility. You can move around the company until you find the job for you. This is good as it means that you don't feel bad in your role and see no way out. The 9 day fortnight is great. Overall everyone I have ever spoken to at work has been really nice and approachable.

Everyone in the process is really nice so if you were to have any concerns or questions, people will help you. I would advice you to do the research into the job role the company as a whole. Coming to AWE will never be a terrible job because if you decide the job isn't for you, you can move as long as you work hard and are an employee that people want.