Electrical Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Mainly computer based work with the occasional opportunity for lab based activities, working from either home or one site, while attending University one day a week. Daily tasks are never the same due to various tasks presenting themselves across numerous placements within the company, in which I change every three months.

I’ve had the opportunity to carry out numerous training courses through work and have been exploded to a wide range of tasks that have allowed me to develop and learn new skills. I have also been able to learn and expand upon numerous skills through University lectures and assignments.

Overall I find it thoroughly enjoyable, it’s helped me to build upon many existing skills and to also learn new ones. It’s also allowed me to get a great head-start for my career. The only downside is the stress that can be associated when University gets busier, I.e: exam season.

For the most part the program is extremely well structured, as there is a placement plan in place which defines which areas of the business I’ll be working in throughout the apprenticeship. Following on from this I have regular meetings regarding my progress on the apprenticeship. With the only downside being that sometimes the University aspect isn’t as well organised!

Overall I’d say I support a lot of support from my employer. There’s numerous routes that I can take and numerous people that I can talk to within the company such as placement managers and HR representatives in other to receive support on a wide range of topics and/ or issues.

Outside of the support offered within timetables sessions such as lectures etc, the University doesn’t seem to provide an awful lot of support outside of this. Although you can speak to lecturers for help with anything that you don’t understand, but besides that there’s no official way as far as in aware to recurve further support.

Currently the work that I have carried out at University and the role that I carry out within the workplace haven’t crossed paths. So unfortunately from a knowledge & skills perspective the training through the University haven’t enhanced my workplace performance. However University has helped me to develop some of my behaviours which are key for the workplace.

Yes there’s numerous extra curricular activities that Apprentices can get involved in through work. These activities come in numerous forms and there is an extra curricular activity or network for everyone. The extra curricular activities are a highlight of the apprenticeship and the company is always more than happy for you to take part in them!

Yes

Overall it’s a great company to work for with a great working environment, and plenty of opportunities to develop your workplace skillset. While as an Apprentice within MBDA I have been able to make numerous new friends all while working alongside full time employees on meaningful tasks which contribute to the business.

Try to make yourself stand out, when applying talk about examples of pieces of work that you’ve carried out in the past which highlight your best qualities and ones which align with the company values. Mention why you want to work for MBDA and why you’ve chosen to apply for them, and finally do some research into the company!