Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Review

My roles during the apprenticeship change on a quarterly basis as I move placements to different parts of the business. During each placement I learn the different processes using different machines and equipment. Building Gas turbines has very tight tolerances so we use state of the art measuring equipment to ensure manufacture the parts to the specific standard. I work with many skilled workers which impart years and years of knowledge to me - typically things which you wouldn't find in engineering books.

I've gained new qualifications such as my functional skills in English and ICT, I've also been on many training courses, currently trying to find a new folder to put all my certificates in as I have so many! I've developed a great understanding within the engineering industry and it's surprising how much knowledge you take on board over the course of the apprenticeship, at the start I had very little understanding of anything to do with engineering and now I feel well equipped to communicate on a higher level even with professionals.

It's a really enjoyable programme, people in the business are keen to help you understand processes within the company and teach you and make sure there are no bad practices being taught, ensuring very high standard training.

I'm often praised on the work I've carried out, and even the times I've used my initiative which is really nice, it reminds you that you are being observed and it pays off when people notice the hard work you put in.

Very well structured, we have a very helpful HR team in place that deals promptly with enquiries and issues, they also ensure our transitions between placements and education goes as smoothly as possible.

We are given good amounts of support from the training provider, a lot of information is accessible online so if for whatever reason we miss a class, we can still study and prepare for exams and assignments.

A lot of support from the business to continue education which enables us to go as far as we desire and better ourselves.

I think the salary is fair and proportionate in terms of the work output we give back to the business as apprentices. For myself being an older apprentice it has been a little bit more difficult as I was renting my own property with no family to help me out.

There are many voluntary activities, however the more popular ones are quickly taken up without that many spaces available. I also cover 140 hours per week with Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue as an operation Fire Fighter. Siemens let me leave work if we are called out to an emergency so this is fantastic to be able to help the community in times of need.

Yes

Siemens is a highly renowned company with great facilities, people and procedures, ensuring people the very best training, welfare and progression. Everybody who I've come into contact with thoroughly enjoys being part of Siemens, including myself.

Spend a lot of time on the online application process, I think it took me 2-3 days to complete this as I kept revisiting and adjusting to ensure I stood out from the crowd - Siemens want quality so take your time to get it right. Starting with the business was easy and not as daunting as I imagined, the experiences and opportunities are second to none and if you're wanting to excel, I couldn't recommend Siemens enough.