Technical Apprentice Review

As an apprentice at Selex-ES I am on placements in various departments, which allows me to experience different job roles and responsibilities. I get to meet really interesting intelligent and enthusiastic people, who are so happy to teach me what they know. I am a technical apprentice, and so on a day to day, I get assigned work, and helped through it, taught what the work means to the project, and am given help where I need it.

Having only started in September 2014, I have already received my PEO and I am on my way to completing my SVQ level 2, HNC in engineering systems and I am set on my way to complete my HND in engineering systems as well as my SVQ level 3. I have been in receipt of FOD, ESD and DOORS training within the company since my arrival, and have various other courses lined up in the very near future. I also feel I have grown as a person, as I am more confident, and comfortable in my environment, I am not afraid to ask questions, or to have something explained to me. I have also learned the importance of referencing and keeping minutes, in addition to what I still have to learn in the rest of my time here.

I really enjoy the way this company is a team, they all work together really well, and succeed as a company. Even among just the apprentices, there is such a sense of camaraderie. No one looks down on you for being 'just and apprentice'. The work is good, challenging, and not just busy work to 'keep the apprentice busy'. I wasn't sure what to expect upon starting here, but I most definitely wasn't disappointed.

The work I am given to do is not just menial tasks, they are important, real jobs. The fact that I can be given work like that, makes me feel like a real member of the team, and that I am appreciated for what I do, especially if I do a good job, which I always strive to do. Within various tasks projects and even products, my role has been accounted for. I recently moved on from on placement to the next, and my previous placement are in touch with me about the difference having my contribution made, and the effect now that I am gone. That makes me feel appreciated.

My induction was a little complex, due to some managerial shifts, but it was really beneficial, OI learned a lot and managed to find my feet in the company before I was thrown in the deep end. I have been trained to exactly where I need to be, and the training is continuing throughout my four year apprenticeship. I have been supported throughout everything I do, and am given time to study if I should need it. My assessor and manager keep in touch, and I have regular meetings with them as and when I or they need them to happen. I have found that once the ball started rolling, everything fell into place, and I have found my place in the company.

My assessor and manager keep in touch, and I have regular meetings with them as and when I or they need them to happen. In addition, my college lecturers are always available if I have questions or need additional support.

I meet with my assessor and manager regularly, and HR are always on hand if I need support. With an email or a phone call I can have support when I need it, it is ideal. HR is always on hand if I have any questions or concerns, as well as Occ Health should I need any kind of medical or emotional support. Everyone is so eager to help and support the apprentices in anyway possible.

As we are the Edinburgh site, living and travel expenses are a higher than elsewhere in Scotland, but the salary is almost there to covering what needs covered. It is a little low.

There are so many charity, community and social events on the Selex calendar, among departments, teams, projects and even the apprentices themselves. We work with the local schools, and charities, support the local marathon and hold events of our own. Apprentices spend a lot of time together outside of work, because we all get on, really well. We are provided with free membership to our local gym and leisure centre, which is ideal for after or before work.

Yes

It is a great opportunity to work at a company like Selex, who work all over the world, and have so many varieties of engineering onsite. The people here are so enthusiastic about what they do, and there is so much to learn. It is a really brilliant place to work. As a matter of fact, one of my good friends from school starts work here in September under my recommendation.

Apply early, and give each step your very best. Treat the full apprenticeship as an interview, give everything the best you have, and learn and grow as you go along, and the person you come out the other end, will be a full new you.