Apprentice Engineer Review

As an apprentice I am heavily involved with the hardware team in the engineering department. There is a wide verity of different tasks that I carry out on a day to day basis which include: general product support tasks, testing activities, PCB and circuit modifications, report writing, documentation updates, data analysis, CAD drawings and other activities of a similar nature. There is also a lot of communication with other colleagues around the business including a lot of: emails, phone calls and face to face meetings.

During my apprenticeship so far I have learned and developed many new skills. I have already achieved a level 2 qualification in engineering principals and operations and have almost completed my level 3 BTEC qualification. Some examples of the skills that I have developed include: the use of CAD design software, problem solving, data analysis, and the use of electronic measurement instruments including oscilloscopes. I have also developed my communication skills and have become more of a confident person having to interact with other people on a day to day basis, especially after attending recruitment fairs and a local school to explain what its like to be an apprentice at Stannah.

I do very much enjoy my apprenticeship programme because there is such a variety of different tasks for me to carry out both independently and working with other colleagues. Working on projects with other colleagues not only makes the job in hand more enjoyable, it is also a great way for me to take on board some of their knowledge and advice to make the most of their expertise and experience.

As a whole I feel very valued and appreciated by Stannah and the people I work with in the engineering department. There is a good balance of the kinds of tasks that I am asked to complete and my involvement with project work is very motivating. On completion of tasks and report documents, it is common that they will be positively commented on by managers and fellow colleagues. This gives the impression that work has been completed well and is much appreciated.

After working with the company for over 2 years now, I feel that my apprenticeship programme is well structured and organised. If there are any work specific tasks that I need in order to complete some of my college work then I will be given something that fits in very well allowing me to complete the work. Every week I have a meeting with everyone from the hardware team to discuss our progress with all of the different tasks that are being carried out and when they need to be completed by so that we keep up with our deadlines.

Support is very minimal from my training provider so a lot of the work has to be completed based on self research and teaching. However there are people available to answer questions if something is proving to be particularly difficult.

Support from my employer is very good. If I am unsure of what to do and need some help/guidance with the tasks I have been asked to do, I will approach one of my colleagues or team leader and they will be more than happy to talk things through and give me a better understanding until I feel more confident. My manager and team leader are always keen for me to get involved with new activities and projects to enhance my knowledge and experience.

My salary is very competitive in comparison to other people I know with similar jobs. I am fortunate enough to have very minimal living expenses which allows me to save more for the future. I only live 15 minutes down the road so there aren't really any huge travel costs either.

Outside of work there are always different events taking place that I have the opportunity to be involved with. These include local community projects and trips to events and venues that family and friends can also be involved with. From time to time there will also be outings that are organised by working departments for team building activities. I have also had the opportunity to represent the company, taking part in recruitment events and school apprenticeship days.

Yes

Stannah is an excellent company to work for. The apprenticeship programmes that are on offer I feel are a great way to get the knowledge and experience for a lifetime career; especially with the wide variety of work that can be experienced. Everyone working in the business is very friendly and easy to approach making day to day working life more enjoyable.

To make the most out of the apprenticeship, it is important to show and maintain a genuine interest for the job from the very start at the application process. When it comes to the interview, just be yourself and show your desire for the opportunity. Don't be afraid to ask any questions, this will show that you are interested and will give you the information that you wish to obtain. Asking questions is the best way of getting the information you need and will clear up any uncertainties.