Higher Engineering Apprentice Review

The Apprenticeship is made up of rotations around the business expanding on skillsets that are crucial to your development as an engineer. Secondary roles are assigned to each person, to allow them to gain more experience and confidence around different key skills. Some of these are about organising and leader different volunteering activities within schools and events.

Over the course of the apprenticeship, I have developed a wide range of skills, from organisation to analysis of technical material. The structure of the rotations and secondary roles are targeted to allow individuals to complete the course with all the necessary skills to progress in their careers. The apprenticeship also ties in leadership training to help you communicate and lead more effectively.

The Apprenticeship is a great way of gaining a degree whilst simultaneously applying it in the workplace, although the scheme requires a lot of hard work and dedication, this is far outweighed by the opportunities and progression that the scheme offers.

GE is quick to recognise success, with internal and external award ceremonies, as well the day to day successes that come across all levels. Within rotations you are quickly given responsibility and ownership of tasks and processes meaning that straightaway you are integrating as part of that team.

The programme itself is very well structured around personal development and progression within the technical roles. The regular provision of training in ancillary subjects allows apprentices to expand their working knowledge into areas that may otherwise not be covered which allows them to have a more complete engineering picture. The Apprenticeship has a mentor system in place, that pairs an apprentice with two experienced engineers, for pastoral and academic support, giving the apprentice a support network away from the usual channels.

Support from the training provider was available throughout, however, in some cases tutors were attempting to deliver FdSc level classes on subjects they didn’t know about, coupled with timetabling issues over the first year meant that college experience was at some points tainted. However, the issues were raised and have now been dealt with; apprentices have access to labs and equipment outside of teaching hours to allow them to have similar levels of contact time as those who are undertaking the modules at University. Issues raised with the college were dealt with promptly and robustly.

Support and guidance from senior managers, mentors and the apprenticeship leadership have meant that the support received has been unparalleled, across a wide range of issues.

Salary more than meets costs, GEs benefits program is also a great addition to the salary package, and give you lots of perks that the company subsidies or covers completely.

Apprentices are heavily involved within volunteering within schools to bring STEM subjects to a wider audience. In addition, the company runs various events throughout the year that all employees are welcome to involve themselves in. Outside of work there is a strong social life within the Early Careers community at GE.

Yes

GE takes apprenticeships very seriously, and has put a lot of weight behind them to ensure that the program give you a solid foundation in your career. GE provides opportunities across the world and the apprenticeship is well respected within the company.

Relax and be yourself! Make the most of every opportunity that is sent your way, each one is a time to showcase your abilities to a wider audience.