Mechanical Apprentice Review

I am a mechanical apprentice. We are currently working on hand skills and how to become more accurate using hand tools such as files, saws and gauges. The day to day basis includes working on hand skills, doing knowledge questions and learning new topics. We had worked on a diesel paxman engine to build our knowledge.

I have learnt may new skills especially on all the parts of a paxman diesel engine. I have also learned new skills within the hand skills part of the program such as how to file correctly but also all the new tools i have never seen before. I have expanded my knowledge with drills and all the different things a drill can be used for.

I am enjoying the colleagues I have to work with as they are helping me with the parts of the project that I am struggling with. The programme has many learning areas that are interesting but there are areas that are repetitive and can easily get irritating such as filing.

The programme is well organised and has each section laid out of what needs to be completed. Each section is split into 4 months which is good as we know which section we are moving onto and what to expect. We started in the diesel room working on pumps, valve, compressors and engines.

Our employer is always available and are in college most days of the week which allows us to be able to speak to them if we need support and what can be done to help. They have their own office to allow us to walk in and just talk to them if we need.

We have city and guilds which helps us to pass the gateway to allow us to go into the dockyard and start work. We have 6 subject areas that we need to pass to be able to continue our apprenticeship. This will give us the correct qualifications and certificates needed to allow us to do our job.

The qualification will allow me to perform better in my role by giving me the knowledge and skills to be able to do my job. This will allow me to apply my qualifications in my job to do things correctly and can let me understand what needs to be done.

In the dockyard there are professional networking events which allow like minded people to come together and talk about their experiences or how they feel. Such as a neurodiversity network for those who are diverse and may need help with understanding how others feel or to get a bit of extra help with understating what is needed.

Yes

Because it is a nice environment and a very hands on job. It is comforting and will put you in a comfortable position where you will feel happy. The people that get accepted are kind and funny. They are silly when on break and are able to carry out their job sensibly when working.

When applying for Babcock just take a deep breath and take your time. They have time for you and will allow you to get your words across. They are looking for more diverse people but also love new ideas on how they can improve and will give you their response.