Workshop Technician Review

When it is term time, I spend 3 days a week at college and 2 days a work onsite. At college I am learning different skills, this includes: Welding, Machining, milling and turning, wiring electrics (such as Panel Boards). On site, I inspect, teardown, clean and build up engines alongside other technicians, I also Upfit engines.

Since starting my apprenticeship, I have gained and developed a lot of skills, such as, I have learned how to weld and set up a welding machine for the task at hand. I have developed my knowledge on how engines work and operate, I have also learnt the method for building an engine.

I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship. I have met new people and worked alongside different people, learning the different methods that the other technicians use for tasks. Being able to work on different builds/projects allows me to widen my knowledge and develop new skills. I also enjoy being hands on.

I think the way that my course has been structured is very good. Given that i am in my first year, spending more time at college has helped me to develop my skills, and also allows me to catch up on college work if I ever have a lot on.

We have regular meetings/catch ups with our employer, this allows us to discuss any issues that we have had or believe we may have, if we ever need time to do college work, we are allowed to sit in one of the office rooms to do our college work.

Our training provider provides us with a lot of support helping us work towards our qualifications. This includes tips on how to carry out certain tasks, allow us to use resources to research certain topics which may be in our online college work. The college have used one-file which makes it simple for us to do our portfolio.

One of our topics for our course is mechanical maintenance. This helped me understand lifting operations and how they should be performed safely alongside a course that was provided by my employer. Mechanical Maintenance has helped me when stripping parts down to keep the bolts organized and possibly put them in a bag to prevent the risk of mixing them up.

At work we have different events known as CIT, Cummins in the Community, for example on World Water Day, Cummins went to Stanwick Lakes to help out the rangers and volunteers. Another example, would be Cummins visiting an allotment and building a greenhouse, this involved different members of the Cummins Team.

Yes

The minute I started with Cummins, I felt like I was already a part of the Cummins team. Whenever I need help, there is always someone who is willing to help and also explain if I don't understand the task. I can also have a great laugh with everybody.

I would suggest, be yourself as there is no reason to hide, present your self in the best possible way, talk about things that you have previously done/different skills that you may have. Ask questions which you may find relevant to the job. Make a conversation. Try not to be nervous.