Mechanical fitting apprentice Review

The role is a mechanical fitting based apprenticeship in which mechanical solutions to electrical and fibre optic requirements are undertaken. Daily tasks include electrical and fibre optic terminations into mechanical solutions. These solutions are to be connected subsea and therefore require hyperbaric testing is regularly carried out as is electrical testing using Ohmmeters and High Voltage testing within earthed Faraday cages. Apprentices are regularly responsible for their own manufacturing tasks and are to liaise with their journeyman and department management in attempt to limit any mistakes.

The first two years here at Siemens are undertaken at the local college with the first year being full time college based and the second on day release with a night school session. In the first year, apprentices will undertake electrical and mechanical training with assessments. They will also study for a BTEC level 2 whilst they develop their hand fitting skills and all round engineering knowledge. In the second year the work based experience is more in focus whilst on day release the apprentices will study toward BTEC level 3. Dependant on the grades obtained in BTEC level 3 they apprentice may well undertake their HNC in the 3rd year and 4th year. Training in manual handling and Lifting/ slingers courses is common as well as health and safety and industry awareness. this is aimed at creating the most rounded professional who is flexible and capable of working where required within the business.

The work itself is enjoyable and challenging but not without its difficulties like any role. The team atmosphere here is well known and former employees will generally comment that this is a feature they miss when they have left. Although the company has met some distinct challenges during my time with two rounds of redundancy in which I feel the company has been limited in offering 100% of what it may have offered otherwise. However, I have enjoyed my apprenticeship and future progression is possible.

As Siemens is such a big global company it is easy to feel as though you are just a number. However, local management do give recognition of hard and effective work and the company do offer a champions award in which employees can be rewarded when put forward by their managers. Internal recognition is seen in the form of reviews in which line managers and departmental managers will update you on their view of your progress and how to improve. Constant involvement in projects as the apprentice work force is trusted with a work load.

As previously discussed, the first two years here at Siemens are undertaken at the local college with the first year being full time college based and the second on day release with a night school session. In the first year, apprentices will undertake electrical and mechanical training with assessments. They will also study for a BTEC level 2 whilst they develop their hand fitting skills and all round engineering knowledge. In the second year the work based experience is more in focus whilst on day release the apprentices will study toward BTEC level 3. Dependant on the grades obtained in BTEC level 3 they apprentice may well undertake their HNC in the 3rd year and 4th year. Work place inductions take place in the summer of first year as you move into the company from college. Reviews take place in which line managers and departmental managers will update you on their view of your progress and how to improve.

Whilst undertaking college based learning, the college are constantly providing support and make available contact details of tutors and are contactable out of hours as well as work based contacts should you feel the need for backing from the company to contact the college. The work at college is well supported with practical task in which tutors well trained in all aspects are able to help and generally seem happy to do so.

the apprentice learning and development department are accessible whenever at work and also have contact details when the apprentice may be on holiday, in college or ill. HR also have a contact centre in which any questions can be raised and attended to in a timely manner. Problems in work are dealt with discreetly and support and advice can be given in any way through the company's safe guarding procedures. Support is positive and people want to help as the localised Siemens team is a small team in which everyone knows everyone.

Living costs are the biggest expense as not all apprentices now are school leavers with many in their 20's and some with children. This means not all apprentices live at home and in line with other local companies of the same stature, pay is often thousands per annum less in line with the same role. Travel is the next biggest expense as most staff live in a bigger local town around half an hour from the local Siemens site. Pay rises seem have been cancelled from apprentices as they are on an apprentice pay structure although the previous pay rise was previously rolled out to apprentices, this is slightly demoralising as we also come to work everyday and complete our own work load yet were not rewarded for doing so where the rest of staff have been.

The company regularly offers social events in which out door pursuits, cricket matches, football games and BBQ events are funded by the company followed by food and drink. This aids in developing the family atmosphere and develops relationships that aid in the work place. The company has charitable partners in which each staff member can have paid days to volunteer for these companies as part of the company's out reach program. Local gyms are subsidised.

Yes

Siemens is a friendly constructive place to work and has a good atmosphere in which 90%+ of staff are great to work with.

Be confident in the interview, be honest and take your time and be concise during assessment exercises. Be open when meeting new people as you will meet a lot. If successful, make college a priority as future earnings can be affected into the 10s of thousands with the benefit of HNC.