Apprentice Engineer Review

I work within a small group at teledyne e2v called the package integration group or as we call ourselves the PIGS. My current job tittle is Apprentice engineer but this will change to design engineer upon completion of my BENG in mechanical engineering that is funded by the company. Day to day tasks include designing jigging and fixtures to help solve assembly problems or the design of new jigging and fixtures for a brand new device builds. I have recently been given my own project to run from the start so this involves some interaction with the customers mechanical designers discussing how the device will fit their product and if there is anything that can be done to make this transition as smooth as possible. I am responsible for a great deal as an apprentice as I am given a large number of jobs that i have to carry out by strict deadlines as well as completely run the the mechanical design side of my project with a little input from experienced engineers within the team.

I have learnt a massive amount of new skills, starting with qualifications i have gained: PEO lv 2, NVQ lV 3, HNC in mechanical engineering, HND in mechanical engineering and i am currently in my 1st of 2 years of my BENG in mechanical engineering Technology. Internal training, i have learnt how to use a range of different software both e2v and non e2v specific, the main bit of software being auto desk inventor to enable me to carry out my 3D design. Along side this i have also built up a lot of knowledge about mechanical jigging, fixtures and packages including material properties such as material CTE and yield strengths.

Everything about my apprenticeship so far has been great i work with a great group of people that are always willing to help me learn and grow as a person. Not many people can say that they have designed something that will one day end up in space so the work that we do is very interesting and always keeps me on my toes, there is never a boring day. the company culture is going through a transition due to our recent take over by Teledyne but things are looking very positive from what I have seen. I absolutely love my job and for me that is the most important thing i don't struggle getting out of bed in the morning because i enjoy what i do and that is what keeps me motivated to do the best work that i can. The only aspect that could be improved is the pay, compared to other apprentices who i have been to college with/ am at uni with we always find e2v does pay under the going rate however hopefully we will see this improve.

I feel very valued by my manager and peer at Teledyne/E2V as i am given a great deal of responsibility that could have a big impact on the projects taht i work on if it goes wrong and my manager has nothing but good things to say about the work i am carrying out and the work i have completed.

The scheme is very structured, and for me this was a big thing when i was looking where to carry out an apprenticeship, when you come on site you have a month worth of training on key things we need to know before starting rotations around the company. during these rations we have reviews to track your progress and you can raise any concerns if you have any then you select the final placement where you want to carry out a full time job. This is the postilion i am in now.

My current training provider Greenwhich university are fantastic the work and learning resources are excitement and i feel as though i have learnt so much since starting. it is a massive step up from colleges that i have gone to in the past

My apprentice manager, department manager and department supervisor are all fantastic and i couldn't ask for anything else from them. they give me as much support as i need but i am still pushed so that i am learning new things everyday.

The salary is not as good as i would have expected for somebody who is working on the products that i am working on as well as having top grades at HNC and HND as well as working towards top grades at UNI however i live local to the site so i can live on the salary but it would be nice to see this increase

There are a wide range of events that are supported by e2v. There is a corporate rewards systems that provide discounts and vouchers for certain things such as bus passes. As well as this the company holds event days such as 'Making the brand real day' and 'Proud to be global day' where the companies successes are celebrated.

Yes

I would recommend Teledyne e2v to a friend because the experience I have had is good. The training provided is of a good quality, there are many training and development opportunities that are presented during the apprenticeship scheme, apprentices receive a massive amount of support within this company and people are always looking to progress their apprentices onto further education even after their schemes are completed.

The application process involves applying with a CV and cover letter, a video interview which is done online, and an assessment day where candidates are invited into the business and take part in team activities, aptitude tests, formal interviews and tours of the company. Interest in the field of work is always a good thing so show lots of enthusiasm. The aptitude tests involve topics such as basic English and mathematics and spatial awareness.