Engineering Apprentice Review

At the moment I am working in the new product development team helping design new products. On a day to day basis I have to design test arrangements to aid the Test Technician when they are performing the tests to qualify the product. Other responsibilities include designing of any tooling, updating of procedures or reports.

During my time in the apprenticeship I have gained external qualifications through Furness College, which include an NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, a Btec Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering and functional skills ICT. I am currently in the process of completing an NVQ Level 3 in Manufacturing Mechanical Products and also a HNC Level 4 in Mechanical Engineering. The apprenticeship has also given me confidence to speak to new people as well as internal training courses in things such as Manual Handling and High Voltage Testing.

I really enjoy the work that I am given to do on a day to day basis because of how it varies and challenges my technical ability. I work an effective team environment where everyone contributes to the development of new products so that they can be qualified and brought into production. The culture certainly met my expectations as everyone is hard working and focused at the task at hand.

Internally I feel very valued in work due to the constant flow of work that keeps being handed to me. This is because it shows that they trust me to complete the job that they are setting. The one to one meetings that take place with the manager are also really helpful as it helps track my progress and also let me voice my concerns if I am having any at one time.

The Siemens Subsea Apprenticeship is very well structured as it sets out the qualifications that are available each year right from the introduction. At the beginning of the apprenticeship we went away to outward bound which helped ease everybody into the work surroundings. Even now while I am in work I feel confident that if I need any help at any one time there is always support for me to complete my apprenticeship framework.

While at college there is plenty of support for all students because the quality teaching that takes place allows us to achieve the required qualifications. Whenever I need help the general attitude is really positive because they seem passionate about what they do. I enjoy all of the learning that we get to complete in college.

The manager in my current department is very helpful as whenever I have a problem they are more than happy to help me with whatever it is. The accessibility for the support is also really good as most people you work with are happy to help with any queries. The HR team don't have to get involved unless the problem is really serious.

Ideally the salary for the apprenticeship would be a little bit higher. The main reason for this is that other businesses in the area that other a lower skilled job end up attracting the best talent because they pay a substantial amount higher than here at Siemens. However, for the daily living cost the apprenticeship salary is good and would be an attractive option if there was not another company paying substantially more in the area.

The company at the moment is having a big push on volunteering as they are advertising that we are allowed up to two paid days off a year just to volunteer. There are also plenty of events that require volunteers such as advertising the apprenticeship or just STEM events in the local area. They also offer social events such as football after work which boosts team spirit.

Yes

Siemens is a really rewarding place to work as it challenges you everyday to try and learn new things by driving you and the company forward. It also has a really great team spirit, which allows you to feel involved in making the company better.

The tips I would give to people applying is to take your time with the application form and if you get to an interview try and be as confident as possible by standing out. In my personal experience I would have just been like to be told to be myself as that is important when you are trying to be employed.