APPRENTICE SUPPORT ENGINEER Review

I am required to complete reviews of the project plan for the new boat to enter the Dockyard. This involves interrogating the customer (MOD) requirements and inputting this information into our own system for the production engineers to work from. All technical references and labour hours must be associated to each of the tasks.

From starting my apprenticeship I had not come across the systems that the team uses in the past and therefore had t pick everything up new. Having been working in the job for several months now, I have become much more confident and can work independently on a daily basis.

As the project progresses through it's many stages our roles and responsibilities have changed with it, giving us something new to work towards. This helps to keep the role interesting and engaging, whilst also helping us see how our efforts have impacted the overall project to reach the milestones.

The apprenticeship has been great for giving us a view of the company as a whole, spending time working within different business sectors. I have spent time working in with warships, submarines and the factory and it has been interesting learning their similarities and differences. I have now ended up in my permanent position where i will stay until i finish my apprenticeship.

I had approximately 3 review meetings with my apprenticeship development manager each year to discuss my progress and they were contactable for support if required regarding placement or NVQ but these roles have now been removed and I am yet to see them replaced with anything similar. For daily support my placement managers are very helpful regarding the work i am completing and have also offered support regarding my NVQ.

Due to the removal of the ADM's, our new college assessor is now based offsite and is therefore contactable by email or phone call. We have received 2 on site sessions where we have discussed our EPA which has been helpful and plan to have another session in the next few weeks to discuss interview techniques.

In my first year, using hand skills and machinery such as lathes and milling machines was new to me and this helped to gain an understanding/appreciation for these skills, however it was not something I had to do as part of my qualification or something I'd be doing in my actual job. Almost all other learning has not improved the way that I work and I have therefore gained my knowledge whilst working onsite with my team carrying out work activities.

There are a number of extra-curricular activities to be involved with, especially as part of the DRDL sports and social club who provide offers to join groups or activities. For example an email has recently been sent out to get employees onto a netball team. Social events have also been planned within certain teams for occasions such as Christmas or meeting milestones.

Yes

The company is one of the biggest employers in Plymouth and is able to offer and safe job that could be life with the opportunities to move around within the company and gain a vast array of experience. Babcock also provide great pay and progression opportunities. I have found the apprenticeship a great way to get my foot in the door, gaining a good understanding of the business and what they have to offer.

If undertaking the apprenticeship, make sure you get stuck in wherever you go on your placements as this will help broaden your knowledge across the different business areas. This will also create more opportunities for you in the future when it comes to securing a permanent position at the end of the apprenticeship.