Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Review

As an apprentice my job title is a engineering apprentice and some of the daily tasks include the assembly and testing of our subsea connectors on a department rotation. Internally throughout the day you interact with work colleagues that are on your chosen cell. Some responsibilities which an apprentice has is to stick to the standards set by the company making sure that the assembly of connectors is up to the Siemens standard

In the apprenticeship for the first nine months we were on block release and achieved a Level 2 NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations. We are also working towards a Btec Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering which will be completed by June this year. Internally we have completed health and safety, manual handling and a soldering course.

Working in Siemens can be very enjoyable because it is constantly challenging you to work as a team at the highest possible quality. The company definitely exceeded my expectations because of how different I thought it would be to the actual outcome.

While working in the factory in Siemens it is easy to feel very valued as the managers and other workers will constantly review work to make sure if it is up to the recognised correct standard. As an apprentice you are never excluded from projects and other workers will always help you out if you do not understand anything.

The apprenticeship at Siemens is structured very well, in the induction we were all contacted and knew what we were doing well before the outward bound experience. Then when we entered the business the support has been excellent as all you have to do is contact the learning department and they will handle any queries that you have.

Each apprentice has a member of the learning and development that they can go and talk to if they have any problems that they are experiencing. Also anybody who is working on the department with you have a great attitude and will always try and help you if you are having any problems.

The manager in my department is very helpful as he is quick to give support if anyone is unsure about anything. Next, the HR team are very discrete if you have a problem and will not announce to everybody and sort your problem out as efficiently as possible.

As a seventeen year old the salary which is paid to me is suitable to my specific needs as there are not to many outgoings there is always money left over each month to live after bills. It also allows a excellent social aspect rather than having no money.

At Siemens there is an excellent social aspect, there are social events such as football ,cricket and a company cruise. The location of work in Ulverston allows a wide range of activities with the local community.

Yes

The whole apprenticeship at Siemens Subsea is a brilliant scheme because it allows you to earn while you learn and gain valuable work experience which you would not be able to get doing anything else in a exciting industry.

The main advice which I could give to anybody is to take your time and prepare a quality application form. Then on your interview do your preparation that is needed and try not to get nervous as it will make you less likely to get the job in the end.