Electrical Engineer Apprentice Review

I am an apprentice within Energy Management, this involves me learning from senior members of staff how to complete jobs safely and affectively, I also have to self teach myself a lot of theory work when I have time to and am not required to carry out any jobs, at the moments I am working in the calibration laboratory but this role will change as my apprenticeship continues

Completing my level 2 PEO course at college has given me many different practical and hands on skills as I had to complete many different tasks, such as turning, welding and milling. Also on my HNC course and when I am self learning I have gained a lot of knowledge on electrical equipment and engineering. I have also begun to develop skills in calibration of meters and equipment whilst in the UKAS lab

At the moments I have really enjoyed my experience of my apprenticeship, I enjoyed going to college and learning practical skills before entering the work place, as this gave me an insight into what engineering was all about as well as giving me skills to take into the work place. I felt that everyone at work was welcoming and friendly, and working for Siemens met my expectations, with it being a friendly and productive environment.

Feeling valued can vary with what I am doing, I see how much money Siemens has invested in me to go to college and start work, and that makes me feel very valued as they are investing in me knowing I will give back to the company, I also see the time my manager and other staff take out of their working time to help and educate me. sometimes I feel that I need more tasks to do at work as sometimes I do not feel I am being productive and I could be doing more to help.

it is early days in my apprenticeship so I do not have a great idea of how good the structure of it is but I felt that going to college before going into the work place was a great idea for me as I got to learn a lot about health and safety as well as the practical skills needed for work. within the work place I am in 3 month placements around different parts of the business and I feel this is also good as I experience al, aspects of work whilst on my apprenticeship.

At college I felt that my tutors where always willing to help, within my PEO course I was helped with all my practical work so that I was always safe, I also was able to ask for help to complete projects to the correct standard. on my HNC I am able to ask for help on any topics that I am struggling with, an hour is given to students for additional support so I know I can ask questions at the end of the lesson if needed, I can also ask for more work to help with assignment questions.

At work I feel that anybody is happy to help if I ask, and most people would be able to answer the questions that I have. I feel my manager is also supportive as he checks up on what I am doing and how I am getting on. everyone at work seems to have a positive attitude towards apprenticeships.

I feel my salary is very good, it meets all my costs, such as travelling to and from work, as well as rent, car insurance and other living costs. I also have enough money to save for things such as a new car or deposit for a house which I look to buy in the future. Location to my work is perfect as I am very close to work so traveling cost are kept low. I also earn enough money so I am able to go out with friends without the worry of running out

I like to use my spare time outside of work the best I can, sometimes I will go to the gym or go to rugby training, go and meet friends after work, other days I may be tired from work and will like to relax at home so I am not tired for work the next day. in regards to work events outside of work I do not have any knowledge of.

Yes

it is a company that invest in their work force and in particular apprentices. I am always learning new things and I know that there is always going to be things that I need to learn, the atmosphere at work is friendly and there is no one here that isn't welcoming to new people. Siemens is a company that is on of the best if not the best in its field, and they motivate you to become part of that.

in the interview I found it very useful to have a basic knowledge of electricity, I didn't need to prepare to much for the interview in way of revision but my A Level physics was defiantly a big help. prepare for the generic interview questions such as "What experiences have you had with problem solving?" as these where asked but that will also help with other interviews not just Siemens