manufacturing engineering apprentice Review

My role is to design new tooling and modifying existing tooling on the shop floor wether it be so tasks are easier for operators or for ergonomic purposes. This is done by editing autoCAD drawings, getting quotes and sending tooling off for modification. Not only tooling, machinery may need recipes to be put in place to ensure that they work for new products. Before new products are released we must also follow these through the manufacturing process to ensure that all new tooling is correct and ensure tests are done on the new product, analyzing results to ensure everything is correct before customer machines are manufactured. I am also currently completing a project to design tooling to measure lengths of leads to reduce waste and to help me better my understanding of project planning etc.

I have developed many new skills during my time at Cummins. I have developed my understanding on documentation, how to interpret these, write them and who should have access to these. Documentation I have learnt about includes drawing specifications, method documents, working at height permits, risk assessments, etc. I have received crane training to understand working load limits and how to assess and report defects with these. I have improved upon my problem solving and project management skills by carrying out projects. I have also completed auditor training so that later this year I can carry out audits to further develop my understanding not just engineering but other areas of the business. There are many new skills I have developed.

I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship, developing and learning new skills everyday. I have created many new working relationships and I know that if I need help I can ask anyone both in the office and on the shop floor and they will do their best to help or guide me in the right direction for assistance.

My programme is structured well, with 6 month reviews both in the workplace and at college. I also have regular meetings with HR to ensure my apprenticeship is going well and it gives me a chance to highlight any issues if I have any (I have never.) My apprenticeship is over 4 years, split into my level 2 and level 3 qualifications.

If I need support I know I can speak to anyone and they will offer support or assistance. Regular weekly reviews with my manager mean that my workload is managed and they can help me if I have any issues. My HR meetings also ensure I have extra support and I have been offered a 'buddy,' another employer from another plant who I can discuss my progress with and they can help me set objectives for myself etc to ensure I am progressing how I would like to.

My tutor at college offers me support when necessary and if I have any issues I can speak to either of my tutors. I also have 6monthly reviews with my apprenticeship manager where I go over my apprenticeship log which ensures I am making good progress, developing and learning new skills.

My training provider helping me to get my qualifications is very useful for me to perform in my role at Cummins. The skills I learn and knowledge I develop in the workplace are further developed and solidated here. For example if I want tooling modified in the workplace, learning about how to operate machines at college is useful as I will know how to dimension drawings so that machining a tool is easier for whoever may be doing so.

There are many extra curricular activities to get involved in at Cummins. There are often zoom calls that can be joined to listen to speeches and discuss different things such as diversity in the workplace, women in engineering etc. You can also get plant tours at other plants and go to other sites to meet other employees. For example I have gone to another site multiple times to meet our companies executive director, other apprentices etc.

Yes

Cummins is a brilliant company to work for with many opportunities, such as training courses in all areas of the business so that you can develop many different skills not just in your department so you are more aware of the company as a whole, helping you understand business processes. It is also a very welcoming company where everyone offers assistance.

Do research before applying to see what plants are near you as there are many different segments of the business such as the power systems, emissions solutions etc and see which is best suited for your interests. Also, some plants are a lot bigger than others so for long term development, perhaps consider which plant is best suited for you, whether that be a smaller plant with more opportunity to learn without a huge impact if mistakes are made or a larger one with more responsibility etc.