Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

Throughout the apprenticeship I have been on four 4-month placements throughout the business and I am now on my year long "anchor" role. Day-to-day tasks involve assisting members of the team with surveys, processing data, installation and manufacture design, and query resolution.

I have learned new skills in design such as 2D drawings and 3D modelling. I have also developed my problem solving and personal development skills.

It is highly dependent on what placements you end up on. In my personal experience, I have only enjoyed 2 of my 5 roles as I did not feel valued or supported in the other 3.

The programme itself is well structured in theory, as you move through the business to develop a deeper understanding of how the business works whilst picking up skills and evidence to go towards the Engineering Standard. However, placements vary and most teams don't accommodate for apprentices effectively.

This varies wildly depending on which team/placements you spend time in as some teams will invest their time into you and other teams will barely acknowledge your existence. In regards to achieving the Engineering Standard (NVQ equivalent), the programme does very little to support and prepare the apprentice.

When completing the Mechanical Engineering HNC, I had an overall positive experience with Fareham College. The lecturers are enthusiastic to teach and are very knowledgeable in their fields. Fareham have also been able to accommodate for remote learning where necessary which has benefitted many of us apprentices.

Again, this is dependent on what role you find yourself in. However, from my experience, the HNC hasn't helped me perform much better at my role outside of the project management techniques learned and practiced as part of the HNC project unit.

At the dockyard there are many of extra-curricular activities to get involved in such as team socials and stretch opportunities. There are also some sporting activities on site.

Yes

Because although I haven't had the most positive time during the apprenticeship, the business itself is a good business to work for and the company treats you well in terms of rewards and time-off. The work can also be quite interesting depending on which team you work for.

Be pro-active in your personal and professional development as these are vital skills to get the most out of your time in apprenticeship, or for life in general in all fairness.