Signal Design Engineer Assistant Trainee Review

Each team is assigned to a different project in the office. Each member of the team is assigned to different task relevant to their skills and training. One of my common jobs is updating drawings to test comments when they come back from site and producing the relevant copies when complete. I'm collecting evidence so that I can apply for my IRSE license so that I can progress in the company.

I have learnt various new skills with completing level 2 NVQ PEO such as welding, electrical installation, turning and hand fitting. I'm working towards a level 3 BTEC in electrical and electronic engineering to understand the theory. After I have completed this I will have the opportunity to complete the HNC and HND. I have also been on courses provided by my employer which allows me to go trackside and assist with testing equipment.

I'm enjoying learning new skills at college and in the workplace I wouldn't have been able to do if I didn't get an apprenticeship with Siemens. There is good working relationship in the office with regular team/apprenticeship social gatherings. This has helped to get to know people in my team in a more relaxed environment. The company also offering to pay for you to get involved volunteering/events where you can meet employees from different areas.

My team leader checks with my daily to make sure that I have sufficient amount of work to do and if I require any help. He also makes sure that I have enough time to complete any college work and will allocate me time to do so if needed. There are many perks working for Siemens such as the yearly bonus and pay rise at Christmas which is based on how well you are doing at college/in the office. Your team leader has to give you positive and constructive feedback on why you should get this.

The first year of the apprenticeship program is a bit different to the rest of the program due to being in college full time. The training manger visits regularly and keeps you updated with your training throughout the years of the program. They also send you on courses that fit around your college schedule so that you don't miss any lessons. There is also somebody in your office you can go to for any help or support if you need it.

You can go to any of your tutors at the college if you feel that you require any extra support in your lessons. There is also the college's internet and online website blackboard which has course information and guidance. You can also go to the head of engineering or your training manager if you feel that you're still struggling after speaking to your tutor.

My team leader is always making sure there is plenty of work for me to do in the office and that I receive the correct mentorship for any task. He is always willing to help understand the task if I feel and I don't understand something. Various employees in the office have always been happy enough to explain how to solve a problem if I have one.

Our starting salary for my job was £16,000 which allowed me to leave my fulltime job in my home town to complete this apprenticeship. I could not have afforded to do this apprenticeship and minimum apprenticeship wage. I currently live 50 miles away from my office but doing this apprenticeship has allowed to move out and purchase my first house. I spend about £150 on travel a month on the train so salary is more than enough to cover any expenses. It has also allowed me to purchase my first car which I used for the first year to get to college and back.

Siemens will pay you 2 days a year to volunteer in any events that are advertised on the volunteer website. The company also sometimes hold social/training events that you can attend. There are groups that are done outside of work on evenings and weekends. You can also go trackside and assist with testing equipment which are classed as overtime which you can claim back.

Yes

During my training at Siemens I have learnt new skills I would never have learnt due to leaving college at 16 and straight into full time employment. This apprenticeship allowed me to gain new qualifications I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise. They also are offering to let progress my training after the apprenticeship finishes to gain more qualifications such as HNC and HND. The office I work in has a great environment and help is always available from training managers and other members of staff.

Do your research into the job specification and the company as this is more office based than manual work, even though there are opportunities to go trackside. The application process is quite long but they keep you updated regularly. Interviews aren't as scary as you might think, they are informative and are a new learning experiences.