Apprentice engineer Review

My current job title is Apprentice Engineer and my daily tasks exhibit a wide variety of activities, from wiring electrical devices to carrying out mechanical modifications within a workshop environment. My work sees me assigned several projects which I am able to work through until completion. Daily interactions are with managers, engineers, technicians and operators.

I have gained an NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations and am currently finishing off a HNC in electrical engineering. Once I have finished my apprenticeship scheme I will have completed 2 NVQ qualifications, a HNC, a HND and a B.ENG degree. There are many opportunities for internal training courses and recognised qualifications that allow you to work to industry standards.

This job allows me to work as part of many teams, mainly my departmental team and the apprentice team. The company culture is very relaxed and friendly, with most people willing to extend help to anyone requesting it. The work that I carry out keeps me interested and constantly learning new things. Overall I am very happy with this role.

The general treatment from other employees and the training opportunities given make me feel valued. Recognition is provided at pay reviews, at an awards evening and in monthly performance reviews. My involvement within on-going projects makes me feel involved and trusted with important work. The apprenticeship scheme itself has received external recognition, placing high in the top national apprenticeship schemes lists for the previous few years.

A full two induction weeks launch you into the new job role well and imparts a general knowledge of everything done within the company. Studying is well supported with one day per working week spent at college, the rate of assignment completion and the standard of college teaching is consistently monitored by the apprentice management within the company. Mentors were assigned to us during induction week so that we had a well rounded support system, however the company culture provides lots of willing mentors to guide you through all aspects of working life.

Guidance and support is easily accessible and to a good standard. The college that I am currently attending is Oaklands college in Hertfordshire, this is quite far away from the business' location so requires a long journey to get there. However, it is currently being looked at to move the training to a college closer to the businesses location.

The general attitude towards support is good. Bi-weekly meetings are held where the apprentice groups and apprentice manager talk through any issues with work placements or college. If problems are encountered then there is a large support system that will provide help in order to solve the issues. Work based issues can be sorted out with placement managers or the department team, while problems with college can be fixed through support from the apprentice management team.

The current salary that I am on meets my living costs reasonably well. Travel to and from Hertfordshire for college was covered during the first year but is no longer covered after that and the college is to be attended for a further two years. However, the training provider is currently looking to be changed so this is not really an issue.

There are a wide range of events that are supported by e2v. There is a corporate rewards systems that provide discounts and vouchers for certain things such as bus passes. As well as this the company holds event days such as 'Making the brand real day' and 'Proud to be global day' where the companies successes are celebrated.

Yes

I would recommend Teledyne e2v to a friend because the experience I have had is good. The training provided is of a good quality, there are many training and development opportunities that are presented during the apprenticeship scheme, apprentices receive a massive amount of support within this company and people are always looking to progress their apprentices onto further education even after their schemes are completed.

The application process involves applying with a CV and cover letter, a video interview which is done online, and an assessment day where candidates are invited into the business and take part in team activities, aptitude tests, formal interviews and tours of the company. Interest in the field of work is always a good thing so show lots of enthusiasm. The aptitude tests involve topics such as basic English and mathematics and spatial awareness.