Technical Apprentice Review

My role is a technical apprentice. We go through 3 month placements within the company, completing a variety of different tasks in each placement. For example, I could be in the hardware placement for 3 months completing tasks such as PCB design creating schematics, then in the next placement I could be in AIT performing vibration tests on our products.

I've gained many new skills in my apprenticeship. At college we have been completing our engineering and electrical Btec. I have also completed internal training courses, such as requirements training. I have also gained many skills from going through the placements, like how to use different equipment and software packages.

I very much enjoy the apprenticeship. I get along well with all the apprentices not just those in my year group. My placement managers and team I have been working with are all supportive and friendly. We have opportunities to get out of the business and do events with schools which is enjoyable.

I feel highly appreciated at Leonardo. My manager will recognise when I have completed tasks and praise me for them, and often reward me for good work. I am kept busy in my placements given a variety of work to complete, the work I complete is real work that affects the company projects so I feel like a proper employee.

The programme is well structured. We had a induction at the start that told us everything we needed to know about the apprenticeship and what was expected from us. Our qualifications at college are fairly organised. Our NVQ is well organised and we have been assigned assessors to help us through.

We get good support from our college. I am on track for completing the courses, if I needed any help I could go to the tutors who in most cases are very supportive.

Leonardo are very supportive to the apprentices. Anything we need guidance or support in they can help. If we need a special kind of training they will set up training courses for us to complete, they can provide learning materials for us. There are many experts within the company that are happy and willing to support us with anything we need help in.

the salary we receive is competitive. It is enough to meet my costs for everyday life. I believe that for an apprentice salary ours is very good. Compared to the salaries of my friends in different apprenticeships, mine is very good.

There are opportunities to work with schools on careers events and school projects. I am also a Stem Ambassador which means I can get involved with volunteering activities. Also I have had opportunities to get involved with events such as the Big Bang Fair.

Yes

I believe that this is a very good apprenticeship with great opportunities. We have the chance to gain good qualifications and progress at the company. Also, for an apprenticeship the salary is very good.

Have an interest in engineering. Research the company and gain understanding of what we do. Be prepared to take on challenging but rewarding work.