Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

Job Title: Development Engineering Apprentice Work on a number of different day to day tasks based on producing a strategy of testing that can be used to validate design changes and reviewing test data to make informed judgement on product/design approval.

Working on a Level 4 NQV in Engineering Manufacture and studying for a Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Have developed a number of skills ranging from technical ability to improving presentation/business skills.

I enjoy a number of things about my apprenticeship, the work is good/varied and rarely gets boring. You move around to a number of different teams whilst on the scheme so get to meet new people and learn new things all the time. Often however, the amount of work you are required to complete for your degree eats away at your free time as 4 days a week you are working full time and the other day you are in lectures so all reports etc. have to be written in the evenings and at weekends.

Yes, for the most part. For the initial 9 months you are based in a training centre. Here you are treated more like you are a child sitting gcse's than an adult at work. However, after this time you are working in the business full time and are valued very much as a member of each team that you work in.

Very. There is only very rare occasions that you find yourself having to sort out the training you require yourself. A plan is created for you in the very early stages outlining what you will be doing.

You are appointed a specific person at the start of the apprenticeship that helps deal with any issues you might face during your time moving around the business. Although these people are a source of support for lots of apprentices and so often take a long time to provide the support, they are there if you need them.

Again, this is very much provided by the same person as 6a. However you are able to use your line managers to provide you with some support also.

It does, just. The salary does start rather low and although the increases you see year to year are large in percentage, makes little difference due to the low starting point. It is not the best paid for this level/industry but its not the worst either.

There are a large number of opportunities to be a part of sporting events, charity events, clubs and more. There is also a community just for Apprentices and Graduates that organises social events, raises money for charity and also helps people find accommodation when they first start.

Yes

The apprenticeship has a lot to offer. The experience you gain is very valuable and the company is good to work for. The industry is also very interesting to work within, keeping the job exciting.

Have an idea of what you would like to do if you were given a place on the apprenticeship. Some people have found themselves in roles they are not suited to because they didn't know what positions they would like to work in so were just randomly assigned. making contact to see what areas of the business you would be able to work in to make a more informed decision before your assessment day.