Electrical engineering apprentice Review

Electrical engineering apprentice - varies day-to-day, begins with admin time to see to anything missed while out of hours and to ensure all work is up to date and on schedule. then 4 sessions throughout the day all consisting of training purely for the city & guilds qualification, broken up by 2 short breaks and one half hour lunch. it requires communication skills, but mostly focussed on getting the work done. all interactions are usually only in the training school, with very few external interactions with anyone that isn't staff or fellow apprentice. responsibilities consist of being punctual, achieving target grades for exams and keeping the school cleaned. projects are mostly coursework, with two sessions a week dedicated to our own "enrichment" projects. most of the week is classroom based.

I have sat a few exams and passed with distinction, taken the mandatory training courses and developed interpersonal skills, as well as my understanding and competence of electrical engineering to a degree that I can confidently build from diagrams. I can interact with everyone I need to with no trouble and have built up my skills as a result, though I have yet to take any external training.

I find the work given sub par, often boring but necessary for the qualification. The group of apprentices I work with are good company though I rarely socialise with them out of the workplace. The company I study with (due to an LTPA) are mostly focussed on the objectives and not on the wider picture of training engineers - only the session and objectives of it. it fell short of my expectations though I have enjoyed it. I have yet to go on placement, and when that happens I feel the team and work ethic will change drastically, making this apprenticeship worthwhile. when entering placement, the full range of the company will become apparent and I will have greater opportunities to further develop my skills.

DSTL appears to value its employees, the management are fantastic and enthusiastic, encouraging us to develop ourselves to the best we can be, internally within DSTL successes are recognised and celebrated, and after the first year I feel we will be well valued as part of the organisation. we do not currently get involved with the projects but we will soon.

induction this year was a trial, but worked very well to bring the team together. the training isn't good, it doesn't help us fill out potential, only check the boxes that keeps their funds coming, I think DSTL could do with providing their own training or investing in a more enthusiastic and invigorating scheme to flair the potential and get the most out of it, though it is well supported and help is always available if asked for. the team functions well and everyone respects each other and their role, understanding sometimes its the role that requires the action not the person - not to say we don't have conflicts, but it is respectful and professionally resolved.

we receive as much support as we ask for, but not asking for it means you get forgotten and left to your own devices to make sure the work is done. tutors are usually able to help or direct us in the correct direction, and can guide us to a resolution we are happy with, or can compromise with. some tutors are reluctant to support us, some are fantastic and work with us to help and support it. I don't particularly enjoy the training but recognize its necessity.

If needed I receive support from my manager, HR team if I feel it is necessary (though haven't needed them yet) DSTL is a very supportive organisation and work well with the team to support us.

the salary for the first year is decent though hard to live on independently, meaning I have to house share with 3 other apprentices to afford to keep it up. location isn't an issue, and I can walk to work, with no major daily costings, and the salary is due to rise for the second year onwards.

there are many activities out of work we can participate in if we wish, with company meals, events such as "the X games" as a form of sports day, and one off events like go-carting and experience days, which we contribute to paying for but don't pay full. working for civil service also means we get minor discounts in certain areas but nothing major.

Yes

despite the first year being a means to an end, the overall apprenticeship and the experience it brings makes it unique and invaluable as a part of life

Don't be afraid to blow your own trumpet - DSTL values individuals who are passionate and take their passion home with them, and works on their own projects out of work (though not work projects) interviews are - despite being formal - very comfortable and welcoming, and should an individual be fortunate enough to get the position, they should take every opportunity available to them as each one is amazing and invaluable as experience. I feel the interview warned me of most things I would like to have been told before being offered a position.