Rating

10/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • My job title is an Apprentice Machinist which involves moving round different departments every 2/3 months, developing existing knowledge and learning new skills. Some skills include manual and CNC milling, turning and grinding a range of materials to either manufacture engine parts or manufacture parts which help make the parts (tools, fixtures etc.) I've benefitted greatly from moving round the departments as I enjoy getting hands on with the work as well as meeting more of the team.

    10/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • During my time at college I'd had very brief training on how to use manual machines, however spending time in the manual machine shop at HPP I'm learning how to use the machines correctly to consistently and accurately machine parts to a high quality. Safety and quality are emphasised throughout all machining tasks so we attend internal and external training including manual handling, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing training courses as well as visiting college to complete a number of NVQ units.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • The facilities and working environment at HPP are second-to-none. If there's a new machine or technology on the market that will get Lewis and Nico even a millisecond faster around the track, Mercedes will buy it. The race isn't just on the track, it's in the factory and I love being a part of that.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains?
  • Personally I feel very valued. I always try to do the best at my job and often receive recognition for the quality of work and putting in additional hours to aid production. Although I'm an apprentice, I still feel like a part of the team as I'm given the responsibility to individually meet deadlines as part of production.

    10/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The apprenticeship framework at Mercedes HPP is taught right from the beginning through various inductions. Scheduled reviews with managers and the apprenticeship provider help monitor our progress and keep me us track. If we need any support, people are always willing to help us out whether it's learning how to use a machine or finding the stationary cupboard.

    10/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • The apprentices have NVQ reviews with the training provider every month and general reviews every three months. We discuss general progress at work and in college as well as problems in the workplace and the procedures in how to go about them. Guidance and assistance is always given if needed.

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Scheduled employer meetings aren't as common as meetings with the training provider, although I have close contact with my manager so if there are any issues I can bring them up.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • The salary is a good wage for an apprentice. Benefits include a non-contributory pension, private health care and a race bonus which I believe is very generous.

    10/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • There are numerous sporting clubs organised within the company such as cycling and football. Other one-off events such as go-karting and the Christmas party are listed on the internal weekly newsletter.

    10/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains to a friend?
  • No


  • 9b. Why?
  • If the friend was only interested in getting a shiny new Mercedes then I wouldn't recommend it. If the friend however was genuinely interested in motorsport and engineering then I would certainly recommend it. I believe the apprenticeship requires hard work and I don't believe the friend would get the full satisfaction from the job unless they had a genuine enthusiasm for engineering.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains?
  • Enquire about your current qualification and if it meets the criteria for employment. Don't under-sell yourself in the application. Present something different and unique but engineering-related in the interview (possibly a home/college project).


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

East Midlands

January 2016


View More Reviews

View More Jobs
Recruiting? See how we can help you