Apprentice Engineer Review

Working along side engineers as part of departmental teams to design, manufacture and solve engineering problems associated with products. Work typically ranges from research and development, design, documentation and problem solving tasks depending on what department you are working in. Interactions internally range from engineering staff to management or more business oriented staff. Discussing work actions, negotiating changes, reviewing designs etc. External communications typically involve requests for quotations or customer return negotiations.

During my time at the company I have developed many of my practical skills in both electrical/electronics and mechanical engineering. I have also developed my communication skills and work etiquette which I feel is equally important in the working world. The company offers a wide range of training courses and opportunities for skill development, including presentation, business communications and some specific technical training courses as well.

I am personally very interested in engineering so the technical side of the work is enjoyable to me. My colleagues are friendly and supportive which has resulted in a comfortable work environment. I felt that starting work in a large company would be quite intimidating but I found myself pleasantly surprised to the welcoming and supportive nature of the company as a whole.

I feel that I am valued by Teledyne/E2V as there are many opportunities to be recognized for work performed in the form of work commendations and awards for going a step above. Even as much as being trusted with some critical delivery responsibilities in departmental teams has given me motivation to perform to the best of my ability.

I feel that the apprenticeship programme is structured quite well, with a very organised induction and training period before being set in work placements. The scheme allows for 1 day a week release to college and the company is typically understanding when it comes to requesting time to study or catch up with assignments during working hours. We have been given the opportunity to be mentored by more experienced apprentices or those on the graduate scheme (joined from university, degree level). The mentoring scheme has been very useful to me as it has given me someone that I can come to with specific concerns or queries and as a source for advice.

I receive as much support as I require from the apprentice management staff staff and they have always been happy to help with any issues which may arise. I feel confident in the availability of support from the apprentice management staff.

Again I feel satisfied with the level of support provided by the company. I have access to a mentor specifically for myself (as all other apprentices do) and any other members of staff have been happy to help when a problem arises.

My salary meets my costs at the moment quite well. I have enough to commute in via train, pay a large portion of rent in at home and have a reasonable amount left over for saving. Due to the real estate in the local area being quite expensive the starting rate is not enough to live independently on, however I am sure that will change as the scheme progresses / comes to a close.

There does appear to be some company related events outside of working hours, such as the annual company golf competition or various charity events though most interactions with colleagues outside of working hours will be arranged by individual teams or working groups. Personally I have little interest in extra-curricular company events so I mostly stick to my own personal interests outside of work.

Yes

I am certain that the experience I am gaining throughout the apprenticeship scheme with Teledyne/E2V will be invaluable to getting started in the engineering industry. I feel that I would have had trouble getting started in the working world without this opportunity for real world experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with an interesting product base and the kind, welcoming people of Teledyne/E2V.

Be genuine and always give your best efforts. Teledyne/E2V is a team culture where dedication and willingness to work and improve is greatly appreciated. It is also important that you are honest in what you know and what you do not know, emphasizing your strengths and being aware of your weaknesses so that your colleagues know where you are best utilized and where you may require some support. Lastly if you say that you can do something/ are good at something it is even better to back the claims with some evidence. Practical skill and ability to deliver is respected as much as theoretical knowledge when it comes to working at Teledyne/E2V.