Technical Apprentice Review

Firstly, my week consists of 4 days at work and 1 day at college completing my HND in Engineering Systems. At work, my role will depend on what placement I am in. For example, if I'm in a testing department, my role will involve working with a Test Engineer in setting up the test and then carrying it out, as instructed in a test specification. However, if I'm in a Mechanical department, I will be tasked with completing drawings via the drawing software. The departments vary from electrical & mechanical based to placements such as Industrial Engineering & Quality Assurance.

In my first year I completed my Performing Engineering Operations at college (practical mechanical, electrical & fitting engineering tasks). At work, I've also learned how to solder and been on various training courses. Through working through my placements, I have learned various new skills. The good thing about the apprenticeship is that there is a variety of different placements; therefore, you learn a variety of different skills.

I enjoy the programme because the employees at Selex always get you involved. It's rare that I sit with nothing to do or see. The employees are always up for helping you out and answering questions and they are easily approachable. As mentioned previously, as there are a variety of placements, you have a wide span of placements you could choose.

I do feel valued working at Selex ES. The work we help out with in our placements is appreciated by the department. We are often trusted with assisting with events such as the Work Experience Programme & helping out with external events.

I feel the programme is structed well. We are at each of our placements for 3 months and then meet with our manager at the end of which to review our progress. We have pre-placement meetings and end of placement reviews with our departments as well.

Support is always available from our training provider. Any issues or problems we have with our placements or college can be raised directly, or they can be raised at our monthly apprentice meeting.

Similar to the above, help is always on offer. If there is something that I am not sure about or could do with further explanation, our department supervisors are more than happy to help us.

I can't really complain about the wage, especially compared to other employers. For being in training, I feel our wage is suitable and it increases each year (if agreed by our manager).

There are various events we can get involved in outside of work. This various from assisting at the Edinburgh Science Festival, to speaking at local schools about the apprenticeship etc.

Yes

Selex ES is one of the biggest & most successful defence electronics companies, which is great to be a part of. The apprentices are treated with respect and are given worthwhile tasks. Plus, by getting to go to college on day-release means you get paid while you learn - which was one of the most attractive aspects of the apprenticeship.

Show a keen willingness to learn and always improve and ask as much questions as possible!