Apprentice Review

My role is training to become an electrical engineer. This involves on-site training plus a day release HNC programme at college. On a day-to-day basis I follow a tradesperson around site completing whatever jobs were assigned to us that morning being taught by the tradesperson how to do whatever task we are assigned

I have learned lots of new skills as I had no practical electrical experience before this job and now I am capable of working with a variety of cables and cable systems. I have also expanded on my knowledge of electrical systems theory that I already had from my time in school.

Depending on placements this can be very enjoyable or at other times very unpleasant. This is also influenced by what tradesperson you are sent to work with on any given day.

I wouldn't say that the internal evaluation system is managed well. Feedback is generally hard to come by unless you are lucky enough to get a good tradesperson/ supervisor. Involvement is also completely dependant on these variables

In the beginning the programme was very well structured but as time has gone on and the apprenticeship has changed from college based to yard based I feel the organisation of it now feels scattered. The college side of my current year is going well and any issues I faced have been resolved fairly quickly. The yard side of things feels more to be going through the motions and just seeing the time out. Support meetings are scarce and contact outwith them is almost non-existant

I would say the answer here is very much the same as my previous answer. Except in the case where I missed a lengthy period due to injury and my training officer done his best to accommodate for my absence and help keep me up-to-date on what was happening in work while I was unable to attend, in this respect I would say I was incredibly well supported.

I couldn't honestly give an answer on this as I have very little contact with management or the HR department.

The salary here is very good compared with a lot of modern apprenticeships however I have come to learn through working with various other companies at college that we actually are one of the lowest paid in our field.

I have been lucky enough to be selected for two company events both in England however I don't see that many others have. As for voluntary programmes I have offered to be part of some but have not been taken up on these as yet.

Yes

I would recommend it as it pays fairly well and the training is well known outwith the company as being generally very good. Having BAE on your papers when your time is finished will help massively when seeking to move on to newer/ higher paid employment.

Be honest during the whole process and be sure to have some knowledge of what the company actually does when going for your interview.