Environmental Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

by MBDA

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

As an environmental engineer, I test our products and make sure that they can survive the environments they will be put in. We simulate these environments in a lab setting, after trialling them on the field to gather the relevant data for these tests. I use shaker systems and temperature chambers to achieve these conditions.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

CAD skills for designing parts and fixtures, use of accelerometers and thermocouples, how to calibrate, machine skills such as lathes and mills, hand tool experience, excel skills, presentation skills. MBDA are amazing at offering courses and training sessions on skills useful for the job role.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy the programme, the early careers team are lovely and helpful. The programme is designed well, with 1 day a week at university and the rest working. This gives a good balance and allows us to implement what we learn at university in the working world.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is extremely well structured. Apprentices move around their area of the business (mechanical and environmental engineering for me) on 3 month rotations. This allows apprentices to see all areas of the business before deciding where to end the scheme on. There are also residential trips and countless training sessions within the scheme.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

The support at MBDA is great, there is a dedicated HR team for the early careers, as well as groups ran by early careers people for the improvement of the scheme. You get support with your studies, and they offer study days before coursework deadlines and exams, as well as budget for university books.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

University of Hertfordshire has lots of degree apprentices, and some lecturers are very knowledgeable in the adaptations necessary for the day release modules rather than full time students. The university could do better in teaching all lecturers with apprenticeships on the differences between full time students and apprentices.

5/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

My degree helps with the theory behind the tests I undertake at work, as well as the skills for the practical side of work. However I find the job helps me perform better in the degree, as the skills I have learnt from work help to fuel my performance in coursework and practical assignments, such as report writing and design for manufacture.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I run the MBDA netball team, both the sessions and the admin work. I also am the Outreach Lead, meaning I help to organise MBDA's attendance to schools and university careers fairs, as well as other resourcing activities. I also am involved with organising the early careers charity summer ball. There is lots to get involved with at MBDA

10/10

9a. Would you recommend MBDA to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

MBDA is a welcoming environment to all new starters, and there is a great early careers network to help settle you in. The apprenticeship scheme is incredible and I feel privileged to have had a chance to work here.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to MBDA?

Be honest in your answers and research the company and its values before writing your application. Be professional and personable in your interviews and assessment centres.