Design Engineering Graduate Apprentice Review

I work in the Test Engineering function where I am part of a team that designs, delivers and supports a wide arrange of test equipment deisgned to develop and verify the functionality of the equipment we produce at Leonardo. I speak with many different engineers and project managers on a day to day basis in order to get work and get help when required. I also speak to external suppliers to find out information on their products that I use in my designs. I have my own project I am solely responsible for which will give me great experience when I become experienced enough to begin managing my own team.

I have learned and developed a wide range of new skills throughout my apprenticeship at Leonardo. I have nearly completed my degree in Engineering and have achieved distinctions in my first and second years. I have completed many internal training courses such as electrical safety, manual handling, cleanroom training and many other courses relevant to my day-to-day role. I have learned many personal skills such as working in a team, working independently, improved my communication skills both written and orally and have improved my overall confidence in myself to produce work of a high standard.

Leonardo is an excellent place to work. Not only is earning while you learn a huge bonus, the benefits that come for working for Leonardo are extremely competitive. The work culture is fantastic. There is no blame culture here and everyone is happy to help out with any queries you may have. My team have integrated me as an important member and make me feel really valued. This has provided an excellent experience in my first professional role.

The programme starts with an induction process where you go through various team building and hands on learning with the company systems. Relevant training is assigned at the beginning of the apprenticeship. Bi-monthly meetings with the apprentice management team provide a formal support session for any issues that may arise but the team also provide a drop in at any point in the week for support. Mentoring is fantastic at Leonardo and much effort has gone into pairing apprentices with experienced engineers which are great at explaining the design process. All events are planned well in advance and our programme follows a good structure which helps to gain experience throughout all relevant areas of the business.

My managers have regular support sessions with me to monitor and discuss my progress. Support is always there when I need it and is only a phone call or short walk away. Support is often given in the form of a question rather than an answer to help point me in the right direction as opposed to giving me the answer. In terms of support for serious needs, the utmost professionalism is demonstrated and has surprised me time and time again. Support at Leonardo is truly brilliant and is always tailored towards your needs and requirements.

Weekly support sessions are held in order to help answer any questions you may have on your assigned work. Monthly On-Campus sessions are held in order to verify our undertstanding of the course. Lecturers are very fast at responding to emails and forum questions which has really felt like in person learning whilst the course is distanced. I realy enjoy my degree as it teaches me a wide variety of engineering related subjects which I can apply in my work at Leonardo

My degree has been tailored towards electronic engineering. This is almost solely what I do in my role in test engineering which has been hugely beneficial. Learning about things such as power, frequency, RF and noise to name a few is used all of the time in Leonardo in our prroducts and understanding these few concepts is hugely important. Being able to learn about something and then be able to apply it in your job role is quite exciting and very satisfying.

There are many different clubs and events that are hed within Leonardo. Whilst I am not an active member of any clubs at this point in time, I have assisted at many different STEM events at local schools. This involves teaching a number of young children of different ages about engineering and how exciting it can be. A few of my colleagues who I have befriended since the start of the apprenticeship regulary go mountain biking which is great fun. We have also been on a ski trip which was great for netwowrking and making friends. This has had a huge impact on my experience at Leonardo where I have met lifelong friends

Yes

Leonardo is one of the best places to begin or continue your engineering career. Opportunities for growth and development are fantastic and to be involved in an evergrowing industry is exciting. I, personally, have really enjoyed the social side of the job, meeting lots of new people from various different backgrounds and culture. I have also loved having the ability to learn while I work which is a huge opportunity.

Being prepared is the best way to have a good interview. If you get asked a question and you don't know the answer it's not the end of the world. Being able to admit you may not know the answer is an important skill to have and the interviewers will value this. Leonardo employs a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures and do not discriminate against any person who applies. I would have like to have been told that being yourself is almost always the best way to go about an interview. It really gives the interviewers the best version of you and will help you in the long run.