Apprentice Engineer Review

I am currently full time at IPS International Training centre where I am completing a level 3 BTEC engineering course on Mondays and completing practical training units throughout the rest of the week (training units being 6 weeks long each), such as mechanical maintenance, wire and test, turning, and milling (which is the unit I am currently completing).

Since starting my apprenticeship I have gone from having little practical experience in engineering to developing a wide range of practical skills in both the electrical (through wire and test for example) and mechanical (through mechanical maintenance and milling for example) aspects of the engineering role. These are skills and knowledge that I will undoubtably take forth with me and develop throughout the rest of my career.

I have always loved practical skills and learning about the world of engineering so for me this programme has been ideal. I have found that it has been a good balance of learning theory and practically putting to practice the theory I have learnt. It has kept me interested throughout and would say it is ideal for anyone who has a passion for the engineering sector.

I have found that this programme has been well structured and easy to follow/ adapt to. The practical training units have been organised professionally and all the required equipment/ documentation has been accessible however I have found myself wanting more out of a few of the units. The BTEC course I have found to be fair and I feel that I have been graded fairly throughout.

I have had visits to IPS Training centre from my employer however, I feel that they could have perhaps been a bit more regular (perhaps at the end of every unit) just to discuss my progress and see what self improvements I need to make over my next units. Despite this, at no point have I felt I cannot access any help/ support if I needed it.

My training provider has been helpful throughout in achieving both my practical units and the BTEC course. The instructors for my training units have all been friendly, knowledgeable and supportive to help me achieve competency in each unit. The same goes for the lecturers for the BTEC course. They have helped me throughput to achieve a distinction in every unit I have completed so far and have provided me with support when I have needed it.

This qualification will provide a good foundation of knowledge and practical skills that I will be able to take forth with me at Premier Foods. With no prior practical experience in the industry, I can comfortably say that this qualification will provide me with good preparation and experience to become competent and comfortable in an engineering role.

Due to recent events, there have not been a lot of extra-curricular activities organised from my work however, this is completely understandable and I know previously (due to having family members that have work here years prior to me) that the company did offer up a regular array of extra curricular activities. The company also offers regular webinars and awareness programmes to help employees with difficult/ sensitive subjects such as mental health, which I do think is important.

Yes

My apprenticeship so far has been insightful and provided me with an array of skills and knowledge that I did not have previously and will be able to take forth with me through the rest of my life. Accepting this apprenticeship has been the best decision I have made so far and I would recommend it to anyone who has a passion for engineering and is looking for an entrance into this industry.

Show that you have a passion and a want to achieve in the role you are applying for. Self development and perseverance is a characteristic that is definitely looked for. As long as you have good communication, the onboarding process is fairly smooth and straight forward. You should ask as many questions as possible to show good interest and passion.