Manufacturing Engineer Review

I am doing a 4-6 month placement within manufacturing engineering until I graduate as a qualified engineer. Manufacturing engineering bridges the gap between design and submarine build. There are multiple roles, but essentially we take the designs and decide how they should be built, then make engineering improvements and remedy build problems.

In work my knowledge of engineering principles, planning and execution has vastly improved. I have also learnt more about business management in addition to core skills such as communication and good organisation. In college, my academic skills in subjects such as Maths, Science and Technologies have also excelled.

At 28 years old, this is the best job I have held to date and I am thoroughly enjoying the apprenticeship. I am fascinated by the majority of subjects studied on the degree, and it is extremely rewarding being part of the construction of British Royal Navy Submarines.

The programme is still relatively new and there are aspects that could be organised better, such as the induction and the academic aspect. However, apprentices are encouraged to provide suggestions and input into the programme, which has been put into action. The placement rotation works well.

Everyone I have worked with throughout the business, including other apprentices, have been extremely supportive and helpful. It feels as though the business is one big team with the same goal. Similarly, any issues I have dealt with out of work have been met with support from colleagues and management.

During year one, there was a lack of staff within college, which was frustrating for both students and the lecturers who delivered the course. This made it difficult for everyone, however both the college and BAE Systems took action to support this. Since this, college has been a far better experience.

Up to now, not a great deal of the technical knowledge gained at college has been needed in work. However this is because I am early in my career here, and I have worked closely with colleagues who use what is taught in college within their daily roles.

There are endless additional activities to get involved in through work, all of which the businesses encourages. I am also required to complete 20% of the apprenticeship as off the job learning which involves extra-curricular work. Some extra-curricular activities include working internally and with people outside of the business.

Yes

It is a very rewarding career and is satisfying to contribute to the manufacture of such impressive products; submarines. There is constant opportunity to develop and be involved within projects of vastly differing work. I have met lots of like-minded people, some of which are now my close friends.

Show enthusiasm to get stuck into as much as you can in the business. Also do your research on what is being done and what the business wants to do in the coming years.