Electrical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Review

My role consists of me visiting University once a week, and being in full time work the other 4 days of the week. My time at University consists of lectures, lab work and quizzes/ exams. Meanwhile while I am at work I will be given a range of tasks that are relevant to the current placement that I am in at the moment. Some examples of the tasks that I carry out include, attending meetings, speaking to manufacturers, validating data & learning more about the products that the company sells along with the sub components within them

I have been able to develop a wide range of skills. The main skill that I have been able to develop is my confidence - I have been able to develop this by speaking to other employees within the company, our customers and by attending careers fairs and presentations. One other skill that I have been able to develop along side this is my communication skills. Within the company there are numerous training courses available for you to develop new & existing skills.

I really enjoy the program overall - I really like the work aspect of it, having the opportunity to work as a part of numerous team across numerous placements throughout a large part of the company. I like how the company invests in you as a person and the support that is on offer. But also how you are given proper tasks that are meaningful and that you are treated as an adult and trusted to carry out important work.

I would say that the programme is very organised. I have a placement movement plan document that tells me all of the placements that I will be going through as an apprentice within the company. In regards to any events or development sessions that we are supposed to carry out as a part of the scheme, we are always notified of these well in advance. In regards to placement and probation reviews there is a set out procedure that can be easily followed. So to conclude - my programme is very well organised.

I receive plenty of support from my employer - I have a weekly catch up with my line manager so that I can discuss with them any issues that I may be having. There is also a catch up with my scheme manager every 3 months where I can discuss any issues that I may be having too. The company also offers a wide range of support scheme such as mental health first aiders, along with this all the managers, always make it clear that they are here to support me/ to listen in regards to anything when needed.

In regards to the support such as lectures and learning within the classes on my scheduled University days, I have no issues with that as such. However in regards to extra support outside of lectures, this sort of support is a bit more difficult to come by, I feel that it can be hit or miss dependant on the department or subject. Especially due to the fact that my Uni day is one day a week & for some classes we are mixed with the full time students - support can be harder to come by.

It doesn't exactly help me too much, as all of the support to help me perform to the best ability within my role are supplied to me by my colleagues and managers within the company - and the development schemes that the company provides. The University helps me to develop myself academically, however it has not helped me a lot in regards to better performing in my role.

There are plenty of activities such as this that anyone within the company can partake within - there are also plenty of social activities throughout the year that are held by my placements team or all of the apprentices & graduates within the company. There are also a wide range of professional networking events relevant to the department throughout the year where you can network with international colleagues. There are also numerous sports teams and activities on offer.

Yes

Because it is an all round great scheme, where you are able to receive on the job training, a free University degree and a salary at the same time. At the end of the scheme you will have a job within the company, no student debt and 4 years worth of experience. I cant think of any faults in regards to MBDA, there are plenty of development schemes that they offer, all of the team are lovely, there are a wide range of benefits & it is an extremely interesting line of work.

Just be yourself and be honest within the questions that they ask you - try not to be nervous (I know its hard), but it will make answering the questions easier. Do a bit of research into MBDA, and try to think about what will make you stand out compared to other candidates and why you're suitable for the role!