Rating

9.6/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • My role was Higher Engineering Apprentice at GE Aviation, Cheltenham. In this role I spent the first year full-time at college and then the following 2 years full time at work but with 1 day a week at college. Whilst at work we rotated around the key engineering departments on 3-6 month placements where we would spend time completing engineering tasks on live projects. As we gained more and more experience we were given greater freedom and responsibility to effect engineering decisions.

    10/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learnt more on this apprenticeship than I possibly could have imagined. Not only did I get my FdSc in Aerospace Computer Systems Engineering, I also achieved an NVQ 4 in Engineering Leadership, NVQ 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, a number of Key Skills and an ILM level 2 in Team Leading. But it’s not all about the pieces of paper; the scheme has given me the framework to learn all the skills I need to function as a valuable member of the engineering team. Bolt a D of E Gold Award onto the end of that and you’ve got a winner!

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • The scheme has been very enjoyable. I have spent 3 years, meeting new people, forging new friendships and learning interesting new things on a daily basis. The people I work with are great; always ready to help you out and give you advice if you need it. And there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved with a variety of sports and social clubs in the company which is a big plus in my book. Yeah I missed out a little on the insane parties at University but I still had plenty of crazy nights with my best mates at home.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by GE Aerospace?
  • Yes I do feel valued by the company. They have put so much time and investment into my future and have asked for little in return other than I work to the best of my ability.

    10/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • This question is a little skewed by the fact that I was on the first year through the scheme. Yeah there were a few rough edges and we couldn’t always see where we were headed but we kept pushing through and managed to get through it relatively hiccup free. For all our troubles we like to think we’ve helped to refine and shape the apprenticeship into the quality scheme it is today.

    9/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Gloucestershire College and the University of the West of England have been pretty good training providers. The teaching staff in particular have been excellent; providing high quality lectures that were both engaging and informative. We did have a couple of issues with communication between the university and college with regards to module content and assessment schedules but these issues have been resolved for the years following us through.

    8/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I cannot fault the company when it comes to support. There has been a network of people helping me all the way through the scheme that I could turn to with any problem that came about. They are always looking to challenge you and take you to the next level; if you’re looking to better yourself and push yourself to the next level then GE are to!

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • I have never had trouble when it comes to money. The salary has always been enough to support me and when compared to university, not only am I getting paid… I’m also not accruing the debt from tuition fees.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • There are so many opportunities outside of work that there’s not enough time to fit them all in! I've been able to get involved in numerous educational activities with local schools and events, played rugby against other companies, took part in triathlons and even had to opportunity to organise and manage my very own program of sporting tournaments culminating in an Olympic themed sports day… so yeah plenty of opportunities.

    10/10

  • 9. Would you recommend GE Aerospace to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I would recommend a GE apprenticeship to anybody. It’s a great alternative to Uni without all the debt looming over you afterwards. Not only that you’re on a course that is tailored by your employer and that teaches you all the things the company wants. This gives you the best foundation with which to build a long and prosperous career.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GE Aerospace?
  • My top tips are to take time on your application; making sure you sell your experiences in your cover letter. When at interview, come prepared with examples of things you have done and problems you have overcome e.g. what did you do for your A-level coursework? And finally be respectful of others but make sure you sell yourself; get your point across but take on board what others are saying too.


Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Engineering

South West England, UK

February 2014


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