Manufacturing Apprentice Review

Working within Cummins Manufacturing Engineering department provides a vast and varied scope of work. It initially can be said that no two days are the same, whilst also being given responsibility on numerous projects to develop my experience and skill set as a whole. I am also provided with a range of training opportunities from things such as general Health and Safety, up to Fanuc Robotic training. The mentoring I have received has also developed my knowledge and understanding of the various processes and procedures here at Cummins. I find my role particularly interesting due to the nature of the work/ projects we complete; thus being new implementations of robots, Cobots and various other processes.

Cummins are keen on developing your knowledge and skills as soon as you enter the business which provides you with a great initial understanding of the drive and direction they are going in. Over the many training courses have been subject to I have develop many new transferrable skills which I use in my day to day work life; which is also backed up by the mentoring you receive from the people you work with as well as those from various other departments. Cummins promotes safety and efficiency and therefore team work, communication and a good head for safety are crucial skills that you will sharpen during your time here.

I am thoroughly enjoying the diversity of the work that is included within my scope as no two days are the same; whilst also being given responsibility on numerous projects to develop my experience and skill set as a whole. The opportunities I am provided with from things such as training, and critical projects keep me motivated and wanting to learn more. I find my role particularly interesting due to the nature of the work/ projects we complete; thus being new implementations of robots, Cobots and various other processes.

The structure of my apprentice program is excellent I am able to receive training in areas I either desire or require which promotes my efficiency when working as part of a team or as an individual. I also attend college on day release to develop my theoretical understanding and my portfolio of work whilst developing new skills I may not already have had. Regular reviews and catchups with my supervisor and manager also enable me to identify areas I could improve as well as those I have strengthened. Again the mentoring from your peers here at Cummins is something very important to your develop and will allow you to settle in quickly and function as a key part of the team.

I receive a lot of support from my employer in the form of regular meetings to discuss my progression, training opportunities, mentoring, and help/ guidance from the various projects I am working on.

New College Durham has been fantastic in supporting my progression towards my qualifications; by providing me with various resources to develop my understanding, revision material to gain first hand experience, and in person contact when required to discuss and issues that you may have.

I feel that the qualifications I am working towards as well as those I have gained have indefinitely enhanced my performance as I am able to apply my knowledge and skills to the work I am involved in. My daily tasks and responsibilities vary greatly due to the nature of the department I am within, and thus meaning I am required to have significant levels of knowledge to be able to tackle the issues I may face as well as function as part of a unit.

Cummins offers many extra curricular activities that you can get involved in including things such as, football, gym sessions, networking events with people across different Cummins sites, and various other out of work social activities.

Yes

I could not recommend Cummins enough, as it has allowed my to use my initiative and determination to develop my self in a professional sense whilst gaining invaluable experience in the industry of Manufacturing Engineering whilst gaining great insights into the wider industry of Industry 4.0. I am enjoying the diversity of the work that is included within my scope as no two days are the same; whilst also being given responsibility on numerous projects to develop my experience and skill set as a whole.The mentoring I have received has also developed my knowledge and understanding of the various processes and procedures here at Cummins. I find my role particularly interesting due to the nature of the work/ projects we complete; thus being new implementations of robots, Cobots and various other processes.

If Engineering is something you are passionate about, and would like to pursue a career within then I would highly recommend Cummins as your starting point, and possibly your end point as the Company provides you with many great opportunities that I have not seen anywhere else, whilst developing you into a professional within the role you desire.