Product Manager - Commerical Circuit Protection Review

After the completion of my apprenticeship a few years ago; I working in the Production Engineering department for a couple of years. Siemens furthered my qualifications during this time, by allowing me to fulfil a HND in Electrical Engineering. Upon the completion of this course I applied for a product managers role within Siemens. I am happy to say that, as of August 2016, I took up the post as Product Manager for Commercial Circuit Protection.

NVQ Level 2 - Engineering Operations NVQ Level 3 - Engineering Technical Support B-tec Level 3 - Electrical & Electronic Engineering. HNC - Electrical & Electronic Engineering. HND - Electrical & Electronic Engineering. Many more Siemens branded courses throughout the years. PBM @ Siemens to begin in coming months. All funded by Siemens.

I really enjoyed the program. It has been nice to see the improvements made on the scheme itself. When I first started, back in 2010, we were the first Siemens apprentices for 40+ years in Manchester. As Jason Phin picked up the reins; the scheme really began to grow into the first class one it is today.

I've always felt that if I show willingness to perform and further myself, then Siemens will support me all the way. Thus, I feel greatly valued by the company.

The scheme was laid out in a very structured manner listing qualifications and departments to be visited. 6 Month rotations between Siemens sites was also highly beneficial to the networking side of my future within Siemens.

Skills Solutions were with me form the beginning of the scheme, I believe Siemens 'went out on their own' after a couple of years and brought training in-house.

Support was always readily available when needed. Ask HR were always happy to assist with any enquiries. I personally believe that is a major benefit to young professionals. In some cases, an apprenticeship is the first experience of the working world that young people are exposed to, support here is vital; and Siemens provide that.

To begin with, It's a bit of a struggle due to being a young driver and paying extortionate amounts for car insurance. However; as the years went by and salary reviews were undertaken based on performance, the apprenticeship always paid me enough money to cover my expenses whilst allowing me to 'live'.

STEM activities were something I was involved in within the Manchester area. There also opportunities to get together with work colleagues for football and nights out etc.

Yes

I'd just finished my A-levels, had my Uni offers, student finance had come through. I was 1 day away from 'going off to Uni'. Siemens offered me the apprenticeship. I took it, have been paid to learn, have had my learning itself paid for; and I haven't looked back since. As mentioned above, as long as you show willingness to further yourself, test yourself and benefit the company, Siemens will support you all the way.

Be honest, be flexible and, be prepared to be taken outside of your comfort zone to test your ability as well as attitude. The right attitude is everything.