Technical Apprentice Review

I am 3 months away from completion of my apprenticeship. I work with test equipment support and I am responsible for maintenance within the Laser Centre of Excellence. I work within a small group of employees, maintaining the equipment in this area. This includes safety testing, calibration and general repairs. I am also signed off to completed off-site work as and when required. This is in support of some of our Legacy projects. Often this can involve being sent away alone to complete tasks.

I am weeks away from completing an HND in Engineering Systems. I have already received confirmation of the completion of my SVQ Level 3. All other training courses have been provided on the job, as and when required. Most of the practical and theoretical knowledge is have obtained comes outwith these tasks, through the knowledge and experience of the colleagues I am working with.

I enjoy working within the team I have secured a final placement with. This placement has definitely exceeded my expectations and I owe a lot to the apprenticeship for allowing this placement to be a possibility.

In terms of my department manager I feel I am valued. I work on a lot of different projects and receive recognition when I have performed well.

The apprenticeship has a reasonably good structure. The rotation process within the placements is poor as the thoughts and opinions of the apprentices are not taken into consideration with regards to the placements in which they will work. There is little flexibility in terms of changing placements. However, most of the placements themselves are well structured.

At this stage the only real support I require is with regards to my college work, mainly ensuring I have enough time to complete it. I have had no issues in this regards.

In terms of my department, I feel I receive enough support. I rarely require support from the apprenticeship team.

It's a struggle, however I accept that the wage is considered good for an apprentice role

There are many events run by the company which employees can get involved in. There's also perks such as free gym membership.

Yes

It's a good place to work, it allows you to learn a lot of skills you'd struggle to learn elsewhere and you finish the apprenticeship with both an HND and four years experience. The company also retains almost all of their apprentices, removing this as a worry towards the end of the apprenticeship.

The main piece of advice I'd give is to research the company beforehand and ensure it's somewhere you could see yourself working. I'd advise that a lot of this knowledge of the company is utilised throughout the application process.