Application Engineer Review

I am an application engineer who deals with providing technical information on medical supplies. I interact with people all over the world to co-ordinate information to customers. This is very important as speed and accuracy of this information can lead to business for 3M.

I have been attending college along with working at 3M, this has given me more scientific knowledge that I can apply during work. I have also completed safety training and Good Laboratory Practise courses to ensure my, and my colleagues are kept safe.

The work is hard, but is rewarding when a project gets completed. The team I work with is small but focused, and we work under a larger umbrella of a bigger division which runs smoothly. Overall I would say I enjoy this programme.

Overall, I would say that the work I do is very important. Everyone here at 3M is very busy, and the work I do really helps push the team along to the finish line. I have been involved with many tasks and group projects since I have been here which has helped me learn and grow as an individual.

The relationship between my work and college is less than I would of hoped. At work we receive training and support, for things to do with 3M work day. However I feel like the people organising the apprenticeship haven't tried to integrate the college work with the 3M working day.

Work wise, my boss provides support. And college wise, the teachers provide support. I haven't received much 'training' other than health and safety at work procedures etc.

My manager is very supportive, as is the rest of the team. It is a very competitive work environment so you need to carry your own weight after a while of being here.

The difference in wage from a normal job is quite difficult to get used to. Especially when you travel a long way to work and back. £800~ a month is an acceptable wage for the fact that we don't get taxed on this amount and it is only an apprenticeships wage. You couldn't support a family off of this wage but for the purposes of the average apprentice, it is a fair amount.

I have been a part of a few 3M events. I have played in a part of the 3M football team, I have gone to the Christmas doo, I have been to the customer innovation centre in Bracknell, and I have been to a conference in Harrogate. 3M is very big with helping the community and the environment. I would love to be a part of something to do with the environment but I haven't received any mail or notifications that any such thing is happening.

Yes

It is a huge company with many opportunities. Even if what you are employed to do isn't what you see yourself doing in the future, you can always diversify to another branch.

Apply for more than one position in the company, as it is so huge that your chances of finding a job will increase dramatically with the more applications you put forward. This is a big experience and anybody looking to get into this world needs to consider 3M.