Electromechanical Engineer Apprentice Review

by Schneider Electric

Rating

7.8/10

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

My role is in the design, development and testing of temperature controls. Day-to-day I have projects that I work on in an electromechanical capacity, doing CAD, drawings, and design as well as costings and elements of project management. In addition, I do both product surveillance testing and testing for R&D and source replacement components.

9/10

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

Yes many, I have gained CAD proficiency, learnt. about business, as well as mechanical and electronic engineer, and gained practical skills such as soldering and plumbing. I have further opportunities for training in other relevant areas such as in machining and PCB design

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the challenges I have been presented with in my work and the opportunities that will enable my development into a qualified engineer.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

This is one area there could be some improvement. Off-the-job training (university) persists for just one half of every year which makes workload management both during this period and the other half a year where this commitment disappears, a challenge to balance.

5/10

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

Whilst I am generally left to my own devices (which I'm happy with), when I do need support with something they are helpful.

8/10

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

Support is readily available, just its not easy when they put 100% of the course content in 6 months of the year.

7/10

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

Fundamentally due to imperfect alignment the qualification will only help me so much with the role but it is essential to have. I could theoretically learn everything I need at work but the qualification is helpful in providing a broader range of knowledge that will be helpful throughout my career.

7/10

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 am in a 5-a-side football team with others who work at this site. There have been networking events and the like.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Schneider Electric to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

There are a lot of good opportunities within Schneider. Of course there are also the pitfalls faced by many large corporations but on the flip-side possible to have a full career of multiple different roles even in different places all within one company. Benefits aren't bad either.

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

Apply to at least half a dozen apprenticeships with different companies to ensure a good chance of success. Schneider is a good option but there are others too. Application process was a little non-standard (no-in person interview) but otherwise the usual rigmarole.