Engineering technician Review

Right now I am at college full time for the first year of the apprenticeship my day to day includes attending classes and occasionally doing training for the company. When I am in the office I am part of the detail design team and use CAD and drawings to design the ship.

I have learned multiple skills as I came into the job without relevant qualifications. My job required a few highers to join and whilst I had highers they were not physics or engineering related. I have learned workshop skills such as welding and turning and I have learned engineering academics such as statics and maths.

I find my programme okay as I enjoy studying and learning. I feel as if the college course was longer than needed for myself so a lot of time was spent bored doing nothing as the employer could not take us into the yard. Overall, it has been interesting to learn the topics.

The programme started off with a three day induction introducing us to the company and their values. We were told to go to college for the first year and the transition was smooth and well organised. Occasionally messages are not fed back between the employer and the college, but we have an early career person situated at the college for contacts.

The employer tries to keep us occupied over college holidays by bringing us into the yard so we do not have to use our annual leave on the college hoildays although this is still an option. The employer has an employee assist programme providing therapy as well as safeguarding policies.

The college provides support with extra time to focus on weaker subjects so that the quailifation can still be achieved in a good time. The timetable can be changed slightly to suit the time of year and the needs of the students. Support is also given when it comes to emergency funding if needed although the employer gives you a full wage.

The qualifications give you background information on the principles of engineering and help you stand out within the company and outwith the company as a qualified individual. It gives me confidence when doing work in he yard as I feel as if I have the knowledge to do the work being asked.

There is optional professional events to attending through zoom which are sent occasionally although most of them are for mental health rather than about the job itself. We went to outward bound with the company for a week which focused on team values and company values by undertaking outdoor activities.

Yes

They are a competitive well paid employer that stands out to to other companies. They ensure that whilst undertaking education and work that you are well compensated so that you can still raise a family and support yourself on this wage making it accessible to everyone to apply to. I think it is a good company to work for.

I would say even if you do not have the correct qualifications just apply and focus on your experience in life that can make you stand out from the crowd. Ensure that you focus on company values during the interview as this is key to the company in their hiring process.