Design engineering apprentice Review

My role is in design engineering. This involves tasks such as using CAD to create design drawings for signaling equipment. Tasks vary as each design drawing is different and this involves careful consideration to get it right, as the work is deemed safety critical. My role involves talking to many people to gain a better understanding and to ensure teams are working well together.

I have learnt many skills such as the use of computer software. In addition many other techniques are required to ensure the smooth workings of tasks. There are opportunity's to not only learn design related work, but to go into other departments such as testing and learn even more skills through this.l

I enjoy my program as it has a good team culture, all staff are willing to help me progress and take the time to teach. It meets my expectations. In addition I enjoy the opportunity to work in different fields, I often go out on track testing so have a good balance between office life and working outside.

Even though as an apprentice you can be deemed as the lowest rank, at Siemens it does not feel that way. The company are extremely supportive and there is always opportunities to go on training courses to develop further. Staff are extremely well looked after when having to work away and I don't get treated any different.

Very well structured, what is expected of me over the apprenticeship has been made clear from the start. Training courses are always booked well in advance and are flexible to fit around other social needs such as holidays. The hierarchy is well organised with job roles made clear.

I receive as much support as I need. If I have a query or an issue there is somebody who will be willing to help. There are many points of contact so it is never hard to get a question answered. People will always find the time to help, even if they are busy, they will come help when they can.

The same as above, I receive as much support as I need. If I have a query or an issue there is somebody who will be willing to help. There are many points of contact so it is never hard to get a question answered. People will always find the time to help, even if they are busy, they will come help when they can.

The salary for an apprenticeship I think is really well. However it is to be remembered that it is only an apprenticeship so is still not the best. This slight negative is not drastic though as the potential to earn through overtime compensates for this. In addition in later years after promotions the salaries get healthy.

There are many opportunities outside of work. They are constantly looking for apprentices to represent the company at events. For example earlier this year I was invited to a black tie event in London, with hotel and travel expenses paid. I don't know any other apprenticeship that offers these experiences. My office has set up a weekly football activity, where a group of us hire a pitch to play.

Yes

From my experience it is an extremely good apprenticeship to be part of. With many opportunities and constant support I'm glad I made the choice to apply.

Be confident In yourself, the role involves a lot of communication and at times this can be with senior members of staff. Also be confident in your knowledge you will know a lot more than you think. For the application process, they will be impressed with background knowledge, so do research about the job and don't go in blind.