WOME Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

by Defence Equipment & Support

Rating

8.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Our role is safety and environmental management of OME and weapon platforms.

7/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Developed hands on engineering skills through the NVQ L2 as well as core engineering theory whilst at UWE. All helping towards becoming an IEng with the engineering council.

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I find my work engaging and the opportunity to travel and get hands on with the equipment for myself has been excellent. The support from the entry talent team is brilliant.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

From a work perspective very well and smooth transitions especially between placements, there are some issues with the educational supplier and timelines for NVQs.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I have had personal medical issues which I received incredible support, further from this when struggling with educational needs they got me in touch with educational support teams who now support me through my dissertation.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

A lot, they are very good with providing constant feedback and example work. Further from the ongoing meetings with my manager the college representatives help with meeting the deadlines.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

This is where I have a slight concern I do not believe UCW/UWE are the best training providers and sometimes I feel under challenged in my degree. Further from this, the module selection is brilliant and I did get input into which modules I took in final year.

5/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Personally I do not, due to external commitments. However there is a massive range of events that do take place if I wish to. I do partake in networking groups helping students to voice their opinion and the feedback from the leadership team is brilliant!

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Defence Equipment & Support to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I personally have had a brilliant 4 1/2 years, I would give them a heads up about the educational providers and the style of work we do on a day to day. But the pay, opportunity to develop skills and see the equipment is brilliant.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Defence Equipment & Support?

Make sure to be pro-active in asking for placements and to go and see the kit! Further ensure that if you have an issue you report it, the management team in my opinion have been incredibly good at addressing any poor placements or areas of concern!