Technical Apprentice Review

During an apprentice rotation I will most likely be shadowing other qualified techs out on call outs or will be working on projects that I have been given by the department I'm working in at the time. Depending on the department, the type of work I will be completing will vary.

I have always had an interest in Engineering but working in a professional organisation has allowed me to develop my technical skills, college has also furthered my education in subjects that I am passionate about. Not only have I developed career orientated skills, I have also massively increased my confidence and social skills, having to introduce yourself to new departments every few weeks and getting to know people has now become second nature.

I really enjoy the apprenticeship, I have strong passion for Engineering and a burning desire to learn and there is plenty to learn. I appreciate how they allow you to give you a intermediate amount of responsibility, running projects, apprentice presentations are intimidating at first but once you understand how things run it's a great way to get involved with the company.

Generally for the most part communication is good, you have a mentor who is the middle man between yourself and the apprentice lead. This is useful as you have a more colloquial relationship with them. The company is on it in terms of making sure we have what we need and looked after. Some issues from college have occurred regarding lecturers but we have been supported by the company.

We are provided will lots of support and company have made it very clear to us that will support us with any issues, personal work or college related. We have a multitude of people that we can go to for support, like our mentor. The company wants you to succeed if your willing to put the effort in.

Warwickshire college is our current training provider and so far we have had few issues with training, we were told that extra support can be provided if required. We have a intermediate between college and work who ensures the college is providing what they are suppose to and at the same time ensures we are working to the correct standard. We have regular review meetings with our intermediate every 6 weeks or so.

Qualifications in general make your more employable as you are learning skills orientated around your course/ line of work. Inevitably these skills are transferable into the workplace, learning about legislation, CAD programs and other industry related tools provide a foundation of knowledge that is topped off by real world experience in the workplace.

There are out of work activities and voluntary activities to get involved in, there is a football team that play every week or two. Cummins has a program called EEEC, which stands for Every Employee, Every community. Every employee is required to provide a certain amount of hours towards helping out the local community in some way, for example laying a new path down a along a local canal.

Yes

They are a good company to work for and it's a house hold name in the Engineering world, I cannot speak for everyone but my experience has been good so far. They provide a competitive salary and a good amount of support. I would recommend to someone for a quality apprenticeship.

I would recommend doing some research about the company and make sure your right for the company. Engineering and apprenticeships are competitive to get in general, you have to stand out, if you aren't interested in Engineering in your own time make sure that you show how passionate you are at school with good grades and getting involved in activities like the Rotary club Engineering competition. Experience speaks for itself.