Apprentice Review

I work shift patterns, 6am - 2:30pm one week and 3:20pm - 11:50pm the next week, alternating. I sew 15 cars a day to takt time on any particular job task, this can include constructing, top stitching and hot taping, as an apprentice, sometimes we have other tasks to carry out when associates aren't working due to non-launch which can include various odd jobs.

I have learned how to sew and upholster leather and fabrics. I have learnt various different skills involving leather such as hide marking. I have also learnt more people skills and how to work as part of a team.

I have had a rocky start to work, my college experience was disruptive due to lack of organisation and then my teacher quit before my end point assessment, I also found it difficult to settle in until I found areas of the company i fitted into and made friends. More recently i have been very happy in my position and with my team, my work life feels very stable, although I can't rate it 10/10 because sometimes I'm confused if whether I will stay as part of my team when I finish and I dread the thought of missing everyone, sometimes I worry about my pay reviews as I don't know what I can afford to save some months, I am currently worrying about my assessment result, but, all these worries are alleviated by my support network, unfortunately I don't always get the chance to speak to them

Over the past 2 months my work life has been well organised within my team, but, my college experience has ruined this score as most of the time I didn't have a clue what was going on. Sometimes it was also difficult to get trained on jobs due to lack of communication

I attended occupational health counselling which made me feel better about my work life but it was only for 6 sessions which isn't a consistent help. I don't always have access to talk to my support network which upsets me but I always know they're there in case I do ever need urgent help.

The only reason I gave this anything above 0 stars is because of one particular person who works at the college. Apart from that my college has been shambles, my teacher quitting doesn't help and I didn't even start my course until 4 months after I was supposed to

I don't think my college has any relevance to my work role at all. It helps more for home life stuff like fashion. When Rolls-Royce brings out fabric on cars maybe then I will find a purpose for the skills I've learnt in college. (I've sewn about 20 tote bags, for what reason).

The green goblin event is a favourite among apprentices which is great to get involved in. Days out are organised among apprentices. Skern lodge is a place apprentices go as a team before they start to network. School/college events are also available. Activities before work shut down are also fun

Yes

Its good to have the name on your CV, it is a very well paid apprenticeship and its good for opportunities to work in higher managerial roles

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