Craft Apprentice Review

I usually work one on one with another fitter within my placement in order to learn their job roll. Often I will complete most of the work as they monitor me in order to ensure I am completing the task safely and correctly after being shown what to do. I also complete knowledge questions, job packs etc.

I have learnt various new skills such as drilling though different materials such as carbon fibre and metals. I have learnt how to countersink, use various of sealants as well as how to attach different fasteners such as split pins, rivets, eddy bolts etc. I've also been instructed on how to control the oven to set sealants and paints.

I really enjoy the programme. I am still kept independent when safe to do so however I always have a mentor or a person I can ask for advice from if I need any further assistance. The work load is manageable and so are college days. So far I have no concerns.

The programme is well organised, all assignments are handed out on time with the appropriate guidance and the work on placement is broken down well in order to simplify the work for a beginner to do. The only issue I have faced is that often placements do not know when we are due to arrive on our first day which also means we do not have clearance to enter any buildings or other rooms as well as we did not know which section within the buildings we would be placed on. The lack of access for me was a slight challenge as the toilets are based in a different area therefor I had to find who alters the clearance and get my pass set which took a little while.

I receive lots of support from my employer. This entails metal health support, regular check-ups as well as guidance on tasks and work. I am able to feedback any concerns from action to be taken on them fairly easily. I receive the most support from my mentor and my LPR assessor.

I receive an adequate amount of support towards my qualification. This includes having the correct assignment or knowledge question briefs as well as the appropriate lessons on each subject. My mentor will go though any work if I need help or advice. I have set deadlines which helps me stay on track.

Due to already having a level three engineering Btec, often subjects can overlap however I find that they are still vital to me having a clear understanding on the subjects I have been learning and often a recap helps keep the information relevant. One thing I think would had benefitted me is if we did more work in first year training which is more like the work we complete on placement such as using sealants or or inserting bearings etc.

I am not apart of any extra-curricular activities myself however I am pretty sure there are activities such as a football team however I am not 100% familiar. There are other groups however they are mostly support groups such as the mental health team or LGBT+ or autism awareness etc. I would like to be informed of any other activities.

Yes

I feel well supported and secure in my job roll. I am completing tasks which I enjoy and have flexibility around my work hours.

I would ensure that they do their research on the job roll they are applying for to make sure it is well suited for them as many technicians thought that they would be completing fitting work which is not the case. I would also say to stay on top of the work load as it is easy to get snowed under.