Technician Review

I am a CAD Technician and work on technical drawings for various clients and contractors to use. These drawings will be used in the future for the construction of various structures. New design sketches will be given to the technicians such as myself and it is our job to draw them up on the modelling software for the job. We have to discuss with Graduate and Senior Engineers on a day to day basis.

I am currently in the process of completing my ONC Level 3 Apprenticeship. This consists of a one day per week day-release. During the day I go to College and study more of the Engineering side rather than the technical side which I do at work.

It is a great way to earn as you study and there are various opportunities available, however I would prefer if more various software's were used in the office. All the members of my division are very nice and easy going, there is no problems with any members.

The level of how much I am valued varies depending on who I work for. I feel certain people appreciate my help much more than other members of staff. As my input only consists of CAD related work many individuals do not notice this learning curve as a challenge for me.

I did not have training for AutoCAD which is what I use on a daily basis, but instead had training for a different software which I have now unfortunately forgotten how to use. The fact that there were no jobs that required the other software was a shame and based on demand at the time. I get large amounts of support from the CAD team that sit in my bay. The workload varies every week and can tend to come in bursts, i.e. one week there will be very little and the next you will have to work late to complete the task. This goes down to the communication as the work could have been given earlier to prevent this issue.

Everyone involved is very helpful and gives me guidance along the way. There is no issue regarding this.

My mentor which sits in my bay is help helpful as well as the other CAD technicians, my HR advisor is able to assist me with my questions and apprentice advisor is also very helpful.

I am spending 20% of my monthly income on travel, 10% on social activities, 25% of living costs and a further 15% on the general price of London. This leaves me with very little after everything has been paid off.

There are a fair amount of activities flowing around work with everyone welcome to attend.

Yes

It is a great way to learn and earn, the salary however may make others consider other positions.

The application process for some companies can take twice the time as others. As an outsider this is the only sign that you can give with to determine what the company is really like. Try to get a part-time job for further experience with people and various situations.