Design Engineering Apprentice Review

My role as a design engineering apprentice involves 3D modelling, creating technical drawings and assisting on various projects that are on going in the company. The department I am in supports multiple projects across the company which allows me to gain an insight into various other departments and interact with colleagues with a huge range of skills and expertise.

During the 6 months spent at college at the beginning of the apprenticeship I developed a range of practical skills performing mechanical engineering tasks such as metalwork and performing mechanical repairs, along with electrical engineering skills such as soldering, working with printed circuit boards and wiring and testing circuits. During my work placements I have learned how to create technical documents to industry standards and work and develop 3D modelling for manufacturing purposes.

I enjoy the variety and depth of my placement a great deal. It allows me to work in various different environments that require different skills and ways of thinking. Learning from more experienced colleagues gives me a good understanding of the work we do which gives a great amount of satisfaction when I see a project through from start to finish.

I feel values by Leonardo as they really invest and take pride in their apprentice program and also every apprentice they have. They give a great amount of opportunity and support as you learn skills in areas that you may have no previous experience in. The apprentice team is experienced, supportive and takes an interest in your personal development and seek to aid you as much as possible. Other colleagues are very friendly and approachable right across the company. A number of very senior staff come to speak to the apprentices and tell of their experiences and offer advice which is valuable from someone near the very top of the company. Others will happily find time to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have.

The programme is well structured, clearly laid out and gives you a good understanding of what you are working towards at any given time. There is strong communication during the time you spend at college with the apprentice management team who support you with your studies and organise your rotational placement plan for when you move to your first department. There are regular meetings when you can show your progress and plan how you want to develop going forward.

There is a great amount of support provided, from on-going training, awareness sessions about different company departments and a thorough induction program. The apprentice management team is open and supportive and is happy to address your concerns promptly and in a confidential manner. There is a lot of encouragement of apprentices to get involved with various projects across the company, whether strictly business related or wider in terms of volunteering, fund-raising or attending events.

A great deal of support comes from the company with apprentices. The company actively invests in its apprentice program and seeks to build and refine the program, taking feedback from previous years so they can make the experience for new apprentices even better. Engineering, department and team leaders all take an active role in providing an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for apprentices as we do our rotational placements.

The salary package is good for an apprentice level and increases annually as your experience grows and you become more knowledgeable about the company. The 6 months at college are fully paid and there is a clear progression annually in terms of salary. There are a range of benefits also such as free gym membership, discounts when buying a new vehicle and access to free, secured parking if commuting by car.

There are many opportunities outside of work for volunteering or supporting company events. Leonardo works closely with its local community providing opportunities for local children to come in and gain an insight into the company. There are experienced support staff to help you while attending events or work fairs who are on hand to offer advice and guidance. There are also numerous opportunities to get involved in fundraising for charities which the company will advertise on its internal intranet pages to help you.

Yes

There are numerous opportunities within Leonardo to learn progress and build a great career. The apprenticeship scheme is a great way of getting a great grounding in the company and learning across a range of departments before deciding on which direction to take in your career. There is a huge amount of support available especially when learning new skills that you may have not done before and there is a wealth of experience available for you to utilise.

There are various stages to the application process, from applying, then completing online tasks and then an assessment centre day where you will get a better understanding about the company and will complete tasks across a whole day. Be confident, open and take the opportunity to ask about other peoples experiences. Be clear about your accomplishments and say what you learned from your previous experiences. Show a good attitude to learning and take an active interest in your own development as this is important over your apprenticeship. The onboarding process is good, again take the opportunity to ask as many questions as you have, there is a lot of support available to you.