Technical Apprentice Review

As a technical apprentice, your day to day role varies on the department that you are situated in. Your role can include desk based work, lab work or working within the "in-house" machine shop.

I have learned many new skills that have become beneficial to my job. These include such skills as soldering, the use of both electrical and mechanical "CAD" (Computer Aided Design) Software and an advancement in my report writing.

I enjoy my programme greatly. The apprenticeship allows an apprentice to change the program based on their personal preference as to streamline them on to the correct career path.

The company (All employees and contractors)make the apprentices(Us) feel very valued as we are treated fairly, we are respected and we are trusted to be given real work that has the chance to make a difference within the company.

The apprenticeship has been on-going for years now. This means that there is a very solid foundation in regards to structure that as a new apprentice is easily noticed.

Other than pre-set 12 week reviews, any help needed is available if or when it is needed from the training manager. Other employees will always help if they are asked to as they understand that sometimes a little extra help is needed.

Any support that is required is given as soon as possible as to the apprentice manager, much like most of the employees regardless of position, will always have the time to have a chat and try to resolve any issues that are present.

The salary is very competitive and also increases each year if the apprentice meets the required standard both in college and within the workplace.

There are a great number of opportunities outside of work for both charity/informative events or out of hours events such as football that is held is Friday afternoons just as a single example.

Yes

Finmeccanica has a long standing apprentice background as most employees were previously apprentices themselves. This means that they understand that sometimes a little bit of extra help is needed and in my experience, they are always willing to give that help. The company also tries to help the apprentice travel down the route that they want to whether it be mechanical, electrical or more software based.

There are a number of "filtering" events prior to finally entering the apprenticeship. Stay calm and do the best you can. When you get in to the apprenticeship, never be afraid to ask questions that you don't know the answer to because someone will always be willing to help.