Technical Apprentice Review

My Job roll currently involves rotating around multiple departments in 6 week placements. I am usually given a project by the department I am working in which I can work on during my placement. Depending on the department, I will also shadow Engineers and qualified Technicians in their job roles to understand what they do and the programs they use to keep the production line running smoothly.

I have learnt many valuable skills during my apprenticeship, learning to manage my time, project prioritization, people skills, presentation/ speaking skills. College has also taught me many things which practical skills and math's, project management and mechanical principles. I have also developed my software skills such as CAD learning new programs. You are given responsibilities as an apprentice which become more important as you progress through your apprenticeship.

I really enjoy apprenticeship at Cummins, It has opened my eyes to the Engineering field and gives me many opportunities to work on new project and get to work with new people. I am surrounded by very knowledgeable people who are happy to answer my questions and help me along my apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship program is structured well with an organised Rota of placements, we have an outwards bound activity trip for team building with other apprentices which was fun and helped us bond as new apprentices. The college is generally well organised however we have had issues which have been raised and our managers are quick to ensure college provide us with what we need.

Cummins provides lots of support for its apprentices and will provide training if the effort is made in the first place. For example college, most departments will provide the next qualification if you work hard and it is rewarded. Many employees are old apprentices so understand the position you are in and help out where they can.

We study for our HND currently at Rugby college, for the most part our lecturers' are good teachers and provide good feedback on our assignments, they have occasionally fell short of our expectations but work/ HR are quick to book a meeting and try to rectify any issues we are having.

The skills we learn during college are valuable and help us understand more technical aspects of work. It helps to have a good knowledge of Engineering before you begin your apprenticeship to give you a head start but not required. The information we get taught at college builds on prior knowledge I have learnt in sixth form and its more application for the industry I work in

There is a football team that play after work multiple times a month, and training events are provided if required which sometimes means visiting other sites in the UK. When I joined the apprenticeship program we had an outwards bound trip in Cannock where we did team building activities to help bond the apprentices together. Subsequently we do meet up after sometimes or weekends and go to events together.

Yes

Its a good overall apprenticeship program, where the management team look after you. If you are keen and willing to put the work in they are willing to support you along the way. The pay is very good compared to many other apprenticeships and education is well supported too. It is a nice environment to work in and whilst feeling pressured to finish work and do a good job it is not overwhelming or unreasonable.

I think if you have an keen interested in Engineering and can show show with what you have done in school or at home that can help. Obviously good grades helps too. Like most job roles try to stand out and provide evidence your more interested than others. I have been making projects and had a love for Engineering from a young age so have naturally gravitated towards building things and getting my hands dirty in my own time as well as at school. Engineering is about showing you can learn from your mistakes so show that if you can but overall just try your best.