Apprentice - Telecoms Test& Commissioning Review

by Siemens

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8/10

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

Testing of copper and fiber cables within a telecoms communication system. Carrying out Site surveys, SAT & FAT tests on a mix of day & night shifts on site.

8/10

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

Learning how to test, and commission copper joints, Communication equipment.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The people are fantastic to work with, the work environment can be stressful although the rewards of seeing hard work completed through my program is worth the challenging stuggle.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

There is a lot of structure to it, however, communication between apprentices and mentors/managers is clear and fine, but a lot of the time, communication between program managers and ELT team members isn't the greatest.

8/10

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

As much as I need.

8/10

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

Not a great deal, The OU holds tutorials and lectures at often times, timings i personally can't commit to as I have a full time job and commitments at home. Often times I have sent emails to my lecturers however they tend to respond at awkward times of day & night.

8/10

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

I don't think it will. my role is as a telecoms test & commissioning engineer, however the degree I'm partaking in is a vast and not specific digital technology and solutions degree. I test them and this degree doesn't help me with my goals.

8/10

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 get some volunteering days paid for from work, as well as take part in some sports activities. as part of ELT, there are also up to four events a year for us to keep up to date with each other as we progress in order to keep a network around us.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Siemens to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The benefits and schemes Siemens provide are second to none. The people are easy to get along with and the pay packets are very competitive. Siemens also has a world wide intranet that can help internal staff find job opportunities anywhere in the world.

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

Give it time. It took me a long time to hear back from Siemens as they always have a high number of applicants. I applied for a level 4, but got offered a level 6 after an interview i had initially been rejected for. Siemens will see the value of a person and the potential of said person allowing them to grow and develop as they need and want to.