Apprentice RF Development Technician Review

I am an apprentice technician in the RF Development Team. This involves working on vacuum tubes which go in medical and military applications. I am a key member of the team which has helped to deliver multi-million pound projects to customers.

I have learnt new skills at college and on the job. I am studying the BTEC LVL 3 Engineering which provides the knowledge behind engineering. I am also studying the NVQ LVL 3 and have completed my PEO LVL 2. I have gained skills on electrical and mechanical aspects of the job and have been able to apply them to my work.

The work I carry out on a day to day basis is really enjoyable. I get the opportunity to complete all tasks within the area, whether mechanical, electrical or design. This variation allows me to develop my skill set. The team that I work in also provides great support so I get all the opportunities available.

At Teledyne e2v apprentices are made to feel very valued. An awards ceremony is put on for apprentices very year to discuss how well we have done. As a apprentice we are put into all activities and large projects. This allows us to work on customer projects that will be used in the real world.

The advanced apprenticeship is well structured. Training is provided through education as well as any training that is needed for our area of work. Rotations around the company are vital to the structure because they allow us apprentices to develop in multi areas and get to see what the company does in all sections.

The training provider from Chelmsford college teaches us all the necessary information so we can complete all work set. Any problems or issues they are willing to help and sit down with us if necessary.

The company provides lots of support for both college and work based activities. Our managers make sure that we are able to complete all work set at college and will point us to people that know the information. Our manager makes sure that we get all the possible opportunities to develop our skills and knowledge. This is through the work that we complete and through training.

The apprenticeship wage paid at Teledyne e2v is very competitive because it is more than the apprenticeship minimum wage. This wage allows me to afford day to day life and save for the future.

The company provides many external events. Every two years the apprenticeship goes to Wales for an out of bounds course. This is a week of team building and learning to overcome your fears. The company also puts on an awards evening every year to recognise apprentices. The company also puts on sports tournaments at work where everyone competes against each other. The company also competed in the Brathay Apprentice Challenge which is finding the best apprentices in the UK.

Yes

The opportunities given by Teledyne e2v allow us to develop as a person and give us a large skill set. The work completed at Teledyne e2v means that we are able to complete various tasks so our skill set becomes large and we become valuable.

Make sure that your CV and cover letter are to a good standard, make sure your school or another person has given their input. On the assessment come prepared by finding out what the company does and be full of confidence, don't be afraid to ask questions.