apprentice mechanical engineer Review

I am currently based in production engineering where I am designing the lay out of various test bays, necessary equipment and the surroundings for test equipment. I have to speak to many people internally and will have to interact with external contractors. There are a range of tasks that i have to achieve in order to reach the end goal for the current projects in place.

I am learning and developing my CAD skills (attending a training course) and i have developed my creativity, decision making and my communication skills. I have learnt how to do many different in house tasks including : setting meetings , connecting to numerous needed serves and systems. i have also become familiar with the software in use and the work place regulations used here at siemens .

I am currently enjoying my placement very much. the projects i am currently working are very challenging however very enjoyable . the team i am working within are all very friendly and very helpful when i require some assistance. the team are also very helpful in a way of providing the training that is very beneficial to my current placement and is also transferable.

I feel very appreciated and involved in various projects. i am currently involved in one main project however i am also involved in some side projects and some projects that are linked to my main project. i have received a lot of internal recognition for the tasks that i have achieve to an exceptional standard. my input to the jobs is valued and my ideas are listened to and either used or constructive criticism is given along with an alternative.

the program it self seems to be structured well however the placement rotation isnt clear the the date of rotation change isnt fixed. for example we will be given a date and it never changes over on that date. the study side of the course, at college, is well structured and the classes are good. the only negative is that some of the tutors aren't very effective .

i receive a lot of one to one training from the team around me and the team leader. the manager of my current placement has also booked me in for a CAD training course to develop my CAD skills further. the Learning and Development team are also included in this and are very supportive even on a personal level. the L & D department is very easy and they are very approachable people.

my employer provides the necessary training however the support given isn't very supportive. the HR team are supportive however it takes a long time for them to physically do anything. for example up on starting there were many issues with the pay and it took 2 months to sort it.

my salary is reasonable however it is only just sufficient in covering my costs. that may be because i personally travel a great deal to get here. my living costs and my travel costs are my priority and are just and so covered by my salary. i have no daily costs as the little spare money i have left after living costs and travel costs, i try to spend on a weekend as social costs however that is a maximum of £20 a weekend.

the main opportunities provided by this company that are outside of work are in the college fro example we get a very good qualification on the apprenticeship and we have the opportunity to achieve higher with the " H N C " , providing the targets are met for this. other opportunities outside of work inlcude the option to take part in the company's foot ball team and there is also a reduction in the cost of the gym.

Yes

There are some good in house opportunities. the people that work here are very friendly and there is the great opportunity to progress on to the " H N C " which is very highly regarded in siemens and in other companies. the option to use flexi time is very appealing and is very useful to have when working here as it allows for more room / time to do things out side of work. i am really loving my apprenticeship at the moment and i can see myself going far here, as will you!

To Put their all in and stay calm. Everyone here is kind and helpful; there is no need to worry. The assessment day sounds and looks complicated however it isn't , it is alot simpler that you think. so, take a breath step back and think inside the box rather than out as you will find that there are really simple resolutions to the tasks that are set. the outward bound having got the apprenticeship is really good and challenges you in a good way, in more ways than one.