Design Engineering Graduate Apprentice Review

Carrying out duties given to me by the placement I am in (rotational currently) and working as part of that department. Other than this I have STEM commitments with the apprenticeship scheme and university studies two days a week, where I study remotely.

I have developed my people skills and time management skills most of all. I have learnt lots of new technical working skills (creo, coding, electrical knowledge, background theory to projects, etc.), and skills relating to logging information in the correct company format.

This is a very challenging program. University, STEM, and workplace duties are all demanding of lots of time and effort, however I find the work enjoyable and I think that the time and energy I have put into this program I have got back in full, and have gained lots.

The merge bewteen university and work is not that well structured, particularly from the university. Rotational placements have not always transitioned smoothly, however as I get more experienced in this program the transitions go more smoothly for me. Overall the program is well structured, but improvements could be made.

As an apprentice I receive huge amounts of support from apprentice management. The support from placement supervisors varies depending on the individual, but nearly all have provided me with the upmost support during my placement.

Our time management is not supported by the university as much as it should be. Most lecturers are spportive of our modules and offer help throughout the terms, however some are less than helpful. Overall university support is lacking, but lectrurer support is good.

So far in this apprenticeship I don't feel that my qualification through my training provider has overall helped me perform better in my role. I have developed a few skills such as some code writing and electrical theory, which have proven useful at work, but nothing other than that.

Due to covid when first joining there were minimal socail activities to get involved in, however this has seen a huge turnaround recently, with apprentice night outs, placement activivities, and opportunities through university to mix with people from other areas/companies.

Yes

All of the work you put into Leonardo as an employee is worth the effort. There is great workplace satisfaction if you are where you want to be, and I learn new things on the job every day. I can't imagine working somewhere else and having the same enjoyment.

Keep on top of university work as much as possible, and work together as a group to get through university commitments. It is important to be able to lean on the people around you for support. Don't be scared to speak up if you want to change something about the program.