Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

When studying at college, my day involved sitting through lectures as well as completing both practical and assignment work. Whilst in office, my day involves working in placements, the current placement being within primary engineering, where I mark up cad drawings making amendments and additions.

I have developed the main key skills including, problem solving, communication and organization. I have developed hands on skills working on electrical boards to wire lighting circuits as well as motor circuits.

Up to now not a great deal, there are some aspects such as working with others and solving problems which I have enjoyed greatly, however other aspects such as college content, structure and organization I have not enjoyed. The content is not totally relevant and is very vague and general, also content and teaching is not engaging and rushed.

I do not feel valued a great deal, this is partially due to a program change which has caused some confusion, resulting in little to no work for myself or any sort of order or clarity in the progression forward in my career.

Initially not very organized, there was a mix up and confusion in the plan which has now been given to myself and shows sections which I am allocated to. However, although I have a plan of various sections which I will go in to, the relevant person(s) within these sectors seem (as they should) busy with their own work. This means that work for myself is not ready to begin if there is any at all, it seems from my experience that people within the sectors I am heading do not know that they will be given an apprentice. I am as of now emailing in advance sectors which I will be going in to which may hopefully solve this problem, however this was still a problem at the start.

Training at college varies greatly from instructor to instructor, some instructors are very helpful where others are very much not. So far to say that some units are made unenjoyably due to the way they are taught and explained. I am unsure of a 'support' within college which I think could be an area to improve.

Support from employees within Siemens is great, people are friendly and happy to help with problems or concerns.

Not very well, I live very conservatively however cost of living and travel consume a large portion of my salary. This is mainly due to my location in which I live as it is some miles away from work, and relocation being unaffordable and therefore not feasible.

There are not many which I know of in relation to the company, I believe there is a few comities for charities and mentoring. When not working, I spent a lot of time designing and fabricating as well as playing rugby.

Yes

Despite the problems which I have faced, I believe once known, Siemens will rectify these and make the experience much more enjoyable. Siemens is a large company which is one of its biggest advantages in some fields, but however is somewhat a downside in regards to communication. As the problems I have faced, I believe, are mainly down to miss communication or lack of. I believe combining the close nit environment of a small company with a large company like Siemens would improve the program greatly.

Like any interview, be confident, controlled and composed. Be yourself and remember that it is both ways, they want a valued and contributing employee, however you also want a committed, supporting and friendly employer. So ask questions and test them even more than they will test you.