Degree Apprentice Review

I work in Road Load Data as an engineer 2 days a week, the rest of the week I spend time at college. I get involved in projects in the department and help other engineers with their projects. We mainly test loads on car parts by putting instrumentation on the car and testing it on a proving ground. Projects can take up to several months to compplete

Currently studying my foundation degree and completing functional skills at college. Have also completed some courses at work such as my class 2 driving permit and glyph works training. Finding it useful, i would have preferred just to go straight to uni and skip the first 2 years of the apprenticeship, they are pointless and a waste of time and money!!!

I enjoy my work environment and enjoy seeing colleagues at college, however the programme and college structure is incredibly organised, which is incredibly frustrating, even simple things seem to be over looked, such a paper work not being ready in time, having too many people in a class room, not having a teacher for subjects, not explaining what is going on to managers. There is a complete lack of communication between the apprentice team and college and apprentice team and work managers. This makes the experience hard work and less enjoyable. It hasn't met my expectations in the slightest, I expected the company to be well organised and have a clear plan for each apprentice. All departments are different and apprentices are treated very different and its unfair, for example work times and department placements.

We are constantly talked down to by the apprentice team, sat on the floor for a meeting and there do not feel valued at all. We are treated like kids when it suits them and then they expect us to respond maturely in other circumstances. However in our individual departments we do feel valued however only being in work 2 days a week is limiting this. Apprentices are rarely praised for their could work and little recognition is every given. Only ever here about people doing stuff wrong and being punished. very disheartening and doesn't promote a positive attitude within the group of apprentices.

Never been part of something so organised in my life!!! Feel like the apprentices could organise it better on our own! There is no consistency between departments, this needs to be fixed ASAP! Behavioural reviews are used to monitor progress but are done too often and doesnt give enough time to improve. Logbook arent needed, it wastes time and is simply a tick box exercise. Very little support from teachers at college in some subjects, feel i get helped more at work.

Recieve little help at college, most teachers say the dont have time to help and clearly dont care about the students and their learning. Have to approach certain teachers if i need help.

Receive a lot of help from my colleagues at work.

I feel I am paid appropriately for the work I do.

There is the ELS scheme, but this doesnt provide much stuff to do outside of work! Would prefer something like at uni where there are societies to join and social events for all apprentices to attend.

Yes

I would only recommend if the definitely want to go into engineering, if they are unsure I feel this route may put them off. Its a good way to earn money but if you can go to Uni comfortably it may be a better option.

Always link your examples to how they would benefit you in the company environment. Dont worry if examples dont seem relevant. And dont panic you can always try again next year.