Advanced Apprentice in Composite Engineering Review

I am doing a the first year of an Advanced Apprenticeship in Composite Engineering, for the first year I am at college full time learning everything I need to know ready for starting work at the factory. This involves many units covering many different things, such as Mechanical Principles and Maths to Performing Engineering Operations and Mechanical Fitting.

Having previously done some of the units from previous time spent at college, I am developing on some skills and subjects that I may have lacked previously, such as getting higher grades in units I have already completed, but only achieved a pass grade.

From this programme I have been put into a new team, and from that have gained new friends. I have also seen some of the inner workings of the business that I found interesting and I can't wait to find out more when I get into the factory.

Although we aren't always in contact, we were given laptops at the beginning that allow us to access our business emails and get onto the intranet. This showed the trust we were given my Siemens, and that we are valued.

We went through a one-week induction that told us about all the sections of the factory. We then started college the week after, we were given our timetables and we started working. If we ever need any help we can ask our Line Manager or our tutors.

All our tutors at Hull College are on hand if you need any help, and if I need any guidance I can just ask and they will take me through it, giving support for problems to do with college and with the work we are doing.

My Line Manager is on hand for any concerns or questions I have with my programme and I also have access to the intranet that allows me to find out any information that I am looking for if my Line Manager isn't available.

I get paid £10,000 and, after pension and NI, works out to about £800 a month. After I pay my Dad for the month and my phone contract, I am left with about £300-£400 for the month for lunch and leisure.

We have received many invites to work dues, such as the Christmas due when we were offered to go see a panto, unfortunately I couldn't attend. Also, this week I attended a meeting at the factory, getting some insight.

Yes

It is a world-class business, and does work in many different fields. If you don't fancy working in, for instance, engineering there is a chance of moving into another section. It is also well paying and you work with friendly people.

I would say that they just need to show themselves off and don't hold back when applying and when in the interview process. Don't be scared to shine and ask questions, it will make you look good.