Graduate Apprentice Enginner Review

Working in the Product Development Department I would say my job role was that of a Mechanical design engineer. I would be given several tasks ranging in complexity. Most would require a certain amount of research into the issue. I would then need to understand the proposed solution and use Mechanical engineering and design knowledge to carry out a change. The design work would be produced on a CAD program and I would issue drawings as a result of the change. I was trusted with making sure that my change did not affect any part of the system it would be applicable to. Testing or prototyping may be necessary to make sure my change is suitable. When creating ideas for the change I would have to be wary of not increase part cost or process count. Once my task was complete I then would gather all the information in a single document and present to my manager for sign off.

I have improved a few skills whilst here, Engineering and design knowledge increases every day. I had small knowledge of CAD but now I am competent in a new CAD software and my skills have improved rapidly, My team work skills have also been developed. I didn’t have all the skills needed when starting this apprenticeship but I learnt quickly, Communication is key and I am still working on this but it has help me with many things.

My programme is a big step up from everyday college work; when I started I was straight into tasks, much simpler ones at the start, Only way to learn is by doing the actual job and asking questions. I learn very quickly and enjoy my everyday jobs and the progress I am making is the most enjoyable part.

I feel reasonably valued by Stannah, I am trusted with everyday tasks, and help is always there when I am needed. I am not left to struggle alone. I have meetings about progress and development and I feel as though I am making a contribution. I look forward to growing my experience and having more opportunity to show the company my full potential.

I have my University course which I attend one day every week, This is structured into my working schedule. Efforts are made to try get me on supplier visits and attend exhibitions and seminars to expand my knowledge. I had monthly review to check my progress and make sure I was okay with my work load and if I had any worries. I have changed department to make sure I expand my knowledge and learn different parts of the company. So there is some structure to my programme.

Support is minimum, I wouldn’t expect much support though seeing as it’s a course with mature students and university is a very independent level of study. If I have worries or difficulties I can ask questions and There is email support. However I am a part time student so only receive this minimal support in the day I am attending. I would like to make a note that most if not all my support comes from the company.

From the University I attend there is no support or link with the fact I am an apprentice, But within the company I have been assigned mentors which are invaluable. Always there to ask questions and will take time out of there task to help with my problems or difficulties with the tasks. They put together training for me each week to work through helping me to expand my knowledge past the university level and also cover topics which will never be taught. The support from the mentors has been great.

My salary is very competitive and I am very grateful for that. I do have high expenditure seeing as I am renting and providing all my needs independently. I would say it’s manageable.

At Stannah there is a social club offering trips out and events. Volunteering is encouraged in the local community and within departments there are team building events and meals and evening out.

Yes

I would recommend someone to Stannah based on the fact I have grown incredibly since I started here, I have gained a huge amount of knowledge and joined a very friendly engineering department and company on a whole. My skills have been noticed and tasks have been given to use these skills and enhance them. You are supported and you will have chances to show your capabilities. You will earn good money while studying and gaining invaluable work experience in a very reputable company.

10. I sacrificed a fair amount to move to the area and start a new job, the sacrifice is paying off and I would advice people If they have the right mind set to apply them self’s they will find a sacrifice, will be worth it in the end. My advice would be that if you are a hard working, respectful and “willing to learn” individual you will find your place here at Stannah and settle in well.