mechanical fitter Review

I am on a newly formed squad and we carry out machining tasks on the job, throughout my apprenticeship I carried out various mechanical activities such as assembly of various units and valves.

i have learnt many skills but i do not feel they have been specifically towards my trade as a mechanical fitter, i have spent more time lining off which shows were jobs are to be placed and in situ machining. neither are mechanical fitting.

i did not enjoy my college experience as i had already completed the work and i was also a mature apprentice, i did not enjoy my time with the majority of the other apprentices. I would have liked to spend more time mechanical fitting.

I feel on my experience the programme could be structured much better, I have not been in placements to carry out relevant tasks to gain the correct knowledge for long enough. Everything seems to be rushed last minute and most the apprentice managers dont know much.

BAE as an employer is exceptional, they help with all manner of issues including drug, gambling, alcohol etc if needed. they supported the workers through covid with full pay and upon returning full sick pay if positive including up to this post in august 2022.

My skills coach helped as much as possible, he was responsible for me to complete my apprenticeship however i felt a lot of the time his hands were tied and he was unable to get me where i needed to be due to other restraints from managers.

I do not feel that my level 2 and level 3 nvq's are needed to carry out my role, maybe level 2 for some basic knowledge of materials but ultimately irrelevant to my job role. Many older tradesmen do not know much of what i was taught.

I think events are held through the company however squad events are organised on a local basis if and when can be sorted.

Yes

The apprenticeship wages are good for mature apprentices which are hugely helpful, the apprenticeship is not great though. BAE as a company is an exceptional company and i would recommend them to anyone. Wages are good, shift pay is good, bonus' yearly, free shares, good pension, good place to work.

Make sure you can be tolerant of the apprenticeship process however if it is your only route in to the business with a trade i would not deter you, apply and stick with the first 3 and half years for the end goal of being a tradesman.