Lean Manufacturing Apprentice Review

my week at the plant involves 3 days at the plant and 2 days at college. At college I am learning the principles of lean manufacturing in both practical and theory lessons. At work i am moving around the leathershop developing my department specific skills (hide marking, covering, quality and planning)

i have developed my existing skills within the leathershop, gaining a better understanding of the behind the scenes processes that support production. At college i have developed a whole new range of problem solving and planning skills as part of my course and have also gained more technical, practical skills such as machining and bench fitting.

i enjoy my course for the most part, i value the new skills and opportunities that it has given me. i do feel that the way some of our work is marked can undermine the effort you put into it leaving a few of us feeling deflated. i enjoy the programme at work and the majority of managers are really happy to help.

programme is well structured at college by graham, unfortunately other teachers do not seem to be on the same page and there has been a lot of confusion. at work the structure is very good but there have been a lot of last minute changes in my placement plan and i feel that the person in charge of my placement plan doesnt listen to my input and what i would like to experience.

for the most part i recieve a lot of support from work. as previously mentioned, i do feel that i am often left unheard by the person in charge of my placements and targets but my manager is very helpful and has given me amazing opportunities without me needing to ask.

the amount of support we receive from the training provider varies depending on the teacher. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] will help anyone at anytime, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is also very keen to provide any assistance he can. Unfortunately neither of these two are my teachers and as such i have to seek them out for support. our own teachers give conflicting answers.

i feel that what i am learning at college will provide me with the relevant skills to apply for jobs at the plant above standard production. the problem solving and planning i am having to partake in will set me up well for a position in middle management or in one of the offices.

there are socials hosted every few weeks but group that arranges them aren't particularly welcoming to new people. there are a few football sessions that run weekly which are open to anyone but that's about it. to my knowledge, there aren't any other social or extra-curricular activities.

Yes

i would suggest the company to a friend from the perspective of taking on an apprenticeship. in the most part, they treat us very well and give enough support for us to complete what is expected of us. it is also a prestigious company with a large global network that we have the opportunity to move around.

You must be willing to work hard and at times do that without proper recognition or guidance by senior staff. As an apprentice you will be working in a company that does value apprentices when they complete their courses as many high up office staff or managers were once an apprentice so you're doing the right thing if you want to stay within the company.