Product Development Engineer Review

I am a Product Development Engineer within Body Engineering. My role is to create intelligent CAD models which hold engineering knowledge and design standards to ensure successful creation of components. The requests are placed by component teams, and the completed models are handed over at the end of projects. So far the majority of work within my home department has been for the cockpit and climate team, with a number of vent and duct models.

The role has allowed me to greatly develop my engineering skills and knowledge. Along side this specific computer aided design and analysis software training has been required to enable me to carry out the role. Further to this I have been able to build on existing networking, presentation and team working skills.

The apprentice program offers a varied approach to learning on the job which I find much more stimulating than class room based activities. It also offers plenty of opportunities to mold into a tailored experience to meet individual needs. The job role itself offers in depth problem solving requirements which provide suitable challenges and rewards.

The assignment of tasks is based on department needs, and therefore the work I am delivering is in line with valued employees. Appraisals and reviews from the department manager and mentor reinforce this.

I was part of the first intake of Degree Apprentices, so there was a certain amount of learning required along the way, and development of the scheme is still in progress now. It is great to be a part of the improvements and the direction that this program is taking, and a clear improvement can be seen.

Regular reviews are arranged with our Work Place Learning Mentor to ensure that good progress is being made, and they are on hand if there are any issues. These are arranged on average every 8 weeks. Contact for the Degree program is done on a week block release schedule, with contact in between carried out via a virtual learning environment, with questions and solutions uploaded to an accessible area.

My department manager is on hand daily if there are any issues, and there is a time slot every two weeks if there is anything more specific to discuss. Support from other members of the team is also available for help with general tasks and learning.

I am local to the area and so didn't have to consider the costs of relocating. The salary and pay progression is fair, and has allowed me to purchase a house six months ago with my partner. There are a lot of company resources in place to encourage smarter ways to travel to work and so travel costs have been cut by lift sharing with another member of the department.

The company encourages annual corporate social responsibility events within the local community, which I had the opportunity to organise for the department I am in alongside one of the graduates. I have also attended a number of careers fairs within the locality to promote the apprentice program. Within out department a more social atmosphere is trying to be encouraged, with a number of out of work activities. This is helping to create a much better environment within the team.

Yes

The apprentice program offers a great path into industry and engineering, whilst providing excellent learning and development opportunities along the way. There are plenty of varied roles within the company, and plenty of opportunities to develop and expand as a person.

Although the application process is long there are opportunities to prepare for each stage as it approaches. Plenty of time should be set aside for the application process to ensure that it is completed to the best of your ability, and it is important to make the most of the preparation materials provided to you at each stage. This will make you feel a lot more comfortable when it comes to the assessment days. During the on-boarding process you will be asked to chose a department/job role. This can feel intimidating and confusing, but there are no bad job roles offered, each one has different merits! Finally remember that you will get out of the apprenticeship as much as you put in, and your eagerness and willingness to learn will open numerous doors and opportunities.