Embedded Electronic Design Degree Apprentice Review

Began learning electronic principles, which has led onto the process PCB design. This has included the entire process from research, schematic entry PCB design, milling the board, populating the board with components and testing to ensure functionality.

I have learnt many new skills since beginning such as the process of making a PCB described previously, soldering, 3D modelling, 3D printing.

The electronics and engineering work I enjoy a lot, moreover, the working relationships I have formed with my colleagues has been fundamental to my success so far. The intake I joined with, in addition with the intake that has joined in previous years, work well together as a team.

The structure has been awful thus far. My intake for the apprenticeship programme was recruited under the impression that our programme would be 4 years long. Within a month we were informed that the course was now intended to be 6 years long and that we would have to sign a payback agreement for the HNC phase. Crucial steps in the programme have been delayed, causing delays for moving placements which hinders development throughout the programme. Communication at times has been poor and our intake feels like the failings of management are made to be our fault and no accountability is taken by the instructors for there mistakes.

The employer provides many good avenues of support, from pastoral care which has been amazing when needed to other work and personal related support systems.

I feel our trainer in work does not possess the knowledge the adequately support us with the HNC course we are currently undertaking. The extent of the support for the qualification is that we are given time to work on the assignments if requested.

I feel the HNC so far is providing good knowledge which can be applied to my role.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved with if the apprentice is interested.

Yes

It would heavily depend on the course they were interested in, and there would be many caveats I would mention.

Be patient, there are incredible opportunities available at AWE, but there is a lot of inefficient processes.