Electrical Engineering Apprentice Review

Electrical Engineering apprentice, currently in training environment, performing theory and practical tasks. most of the training is internal in the training school, interactions with tutors and apprentices of other companies. some training is provided within the business showing what you can be doing and learning about new things. We are responsible for our own and others health and safety in our workplace and also to learn effectively what we have been taught to ensure our progress, as well as abiding by the companies code of conduct. We have completed several projects, including hand skills and electrical projects including items such as a G-Clamp and a saw tooth oscillator. every day tasks include learning engineering operations, practicing using electrical CAD, and practical sessions, such as hand skills in the workshop and electrical projects in the electrical lab. we get the opportunity to work on our own electrical projects to advance our knowledge.

I came into the apprenticeship with very little engineering skill, only interest. I now hold a distinction in health and safety, and a merit in engineering principles (city and guilds). I have also learned a multitude of practical skills to produce hand made items, and improved my soldering skills in the lab. We've done training courses both within the company and outside to further our health and safety training such as fire safety.

I am thoroughly enjoying the apprenticeship programme so far, I enjoy coming into work. The team and the apprentices from other companies are great to work and learn with. So far the apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations with the quality of training and culture of the company and training school.

we have the opportunity to meet with our manger on regular occasions and, there are set one to one meetings on a semi-regular occasions. if anything is needed we know they are just an email or phone call away. we can also go to the training school staff if any support is needed that we need sorting straight away. we are encouraged in or work, set regular tasks and involved in all relevant aspects of the company. I feel like I am valued in dstl and looking forward to progressing into the company.

the programme has been very well structured so far as training has been provided by the training school. we have structured lessons and practical sessions for time to study for exams between. we had 2 induction weeks, one at the company and another with the training school witch sets you up well for the coming apprenticeship. we have line managers in the training school to help with any issues we may have. I feel like we are all equal in the training school and company and that everything so far has been well organised.

tutors are always readily available and always willing to provide support if they can, if they cannot, they will always make an effort to find someone who can. there are a lot of tutors so help is never far away and easy to find. there is a safeguarding team in place so if you have a non work related issue, they are there to support you. I enjoy being in the training environment.

Both DSTL team leaders are always available to deal with any issues we may have, they maintain regular email contact, visits to the training environments and are available by phone. they have a very positive attitude toward you and you always feel supported in the environment. you know you can go to them with any issues you may have.

I don't find it too hard living on the salary, but I do work a small second job to pay for my petrol to get to and from work, as I live 20 miles away. My living costs are still reasonably small as still living at home my rent isn't huge. I do not spend loads and save a set amount a month into a help to buy ISA.

The training school provides activities such as sport days and meals out, there are also gyms and canteens at both the training provider and the company. there are also opportunities to help the community in the time we have to do group projects. we have been on trips into the engineering environment to see what happens and also trips to other sites. When I wasn't working for DSTL I was at college and working at another job.

Yes

Because I feel like they have supported me very well so far in the current apprenticeship and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. I am strongly looking forward to continue the training and develop my skills, for this I would recommend the apprenticeship scheme and the company to a friend.

I would advise practicing some basic engineering knowledge, to help with the aptitude tests on application, but I would mainly say be yourself as unique people bring new ideas into the company. try not to be to shy in the interviews as it may seem intimidating but the managers and interviewers are friendly and want you to do well.