Degree Apprentice Review

As part of this apprenticeship I changed team/role every ~6 months, meaning the specifics of the job could change. However, the general theme was managing, quantifying, and producing information to support engineering activities in the company. This could include developing a new process, assuring the suitability of certain equipment, or anything else

I have developed skills in networking, evaluating information, and producing documentation. I have learnt new skills in reviewing technical data, including in some advanced and sensitive areas. Additionally, this apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn through undertaking courses and modules in subjects not available on my standard university course.

At times I feel the official program selected is not entirely suitable to the work conducted. This leads to frustration when having to evidence the criterion as it can be difficult to find a suitablr match. Overall I am grateful for the opportunities I have recieved and believe I am well set up for the future.

In general I believe the programme is reasonably well structured. The moving roles regularly allows for a lot of varied experience gain and opportunity to experience the more interesting areas of the business. However, I believe the NVQ backplate chosen is a poor fit which can lead to confusion when trying to evidence it.

The level of support I recieve directly from the apprentice team has decreased throughout the duration of my apprenticeship. However, I think it is generally good with the team providing opportunities including external visits and facilitating the regular rotation of apprentices throughout the business. Day-day to support comes from the individual teams I am embedded in and can vary.

My training provider provides regular meetings in which we discuss the work I am doing and how it can be applied to the qualifications required as well as identify gaps in my evidence to be more specifically targetted. Beyond this support is limited as they are unable to directly influence my work.

I believe that my qualification is poorly suited to my role and many of the criterion are a poor fit. This means the overall qualification is only of limited use in my role and it is sometimes a struggle to find applicable evidences to meet the qualification. I am unsure how valuable this will be in future when trying to progress further.

Work provides some professional networking events, including forums and presentations. The apprentice team generally supports us attending these events including time off work and sometimes arranging transport. Social/sport activities are dependent on the individual team, but generally are not available. However, a couple were provided at the very beginning of the apprenticeship to help the apprentices bond together.

Yes

The opportunity package is substantial, the opportunity to gain a degree backed up by relevant industry experience and a "foot in the door" is extremely valuable. Additionally, this degree is wholly paid by the employer so this is achieved without any student debt at all. This is an extremely valuable opportunity I would definitely recommend to a friend.

When preparing for the interview research the company and the topics provided to you ahead of time. During the assessments be confident and decisive of action. If you are successful, be proactive in immersing yourself in the business and take hold of what opportunities you are offered and even seek out more for yourself.