Level 4 Assembly Apprentice Review

My day will begin with a start up meeting with my department / team. From then on i will work on topics based around the role of a PSP (Production Specialist Planner), this will consist of project based work, implementing changes or ensuring the use of suitable jigs for a production area and ensuring process flows are efficient to aid associates in manufacturing quality products.

Overall in my time as an apprentice, I have a person have developed in how I carry myself in a mature and professional manner. More specifically, was my development in presenting, beforehand I was a shy character so in developing this skill I have been able to present my topics in placements but also have become a much more confident person overall when interacting with other people in the business.

As someone at the start of their career, its been an enjoyable way to develop myself within the industry while gaining work experience over the years as well as working towards a qualification. I work within a planning team and greatly enjoy the working environment of those within, I can have both a laugh with those I work with while also working effectively in moments that matter.

Over the years as an apprentice, the structure has slowly improved but there's still further room for improvement. Training on the work side has been ok and organised where needed, however with college at times the organisation has been poor and not so well structured with assignments being released and the structure of lessons, this at times has made the work balance between working and studying difficult.

In terms of the apprentice support, this in the earlier years were poor however in recent times with the restructure of the apprentice management, things are starting to look more positive with a better looking future to younger apprentice years. This is the case due to the constant follow ups on feedback with changes seeming to be made rather than just promised. Alongside this I have received great support from my current placement manager (who will be my fulltime manager) however not so much from my current manager.

The college have been able to provide the basics to whats needed for the course however there have been many challenges faced. Assignments can sometimes be poorly written and released late. Within lessons the support is generally good when asking questions etc however if trying to contact outside of our set college day, its difficult to get a response making support wait till one day a week which can be challenging considering the level of work.

As a whole, a lot of the basics from the course in terms of engineering I have been able to carry into the industry, however in several cases it is very much just the basics. Units such as managing an engineering project have been helpful to help me structure my projects and tasks at work, however units that revolve around topics such as machining do not relate at all.

Outside the normal working day, tasks and projects, I have been able to take part in several extra curriculum. The most regular i take part in is football twice a week, once on Wednesday and again on Friday with other people from both my own team as well as others from different departments. I have also supported in promoting the apprenticeship and attending events on behalf of the training team.

Yes

Its been a great way to develop myself and knowledge within the engineering industry. The company is great to say i have worked for and have been able to gain very important work experience that i will carry on for the rest of my career, all while gaining a qualification and a working wage.

The application process is long so its important to be patient as it spans over a long period of the year from applying in January, interviews around about April/May and not starting till the end of august / start of September. Once undertaking the apprenticeship its also really important to absorb as much information, knowledge and advice from those that you work with. Be confident in networking with people in the industry.