Manufacturing Apprentice Review

In my first 3 month placement, optical inspection, I have numerous responsibilities and jobs to complete daily. All involving the testing of optics, these include different methods and inspection equipment such as using the OGP, MLIS, MDIS, Zygo, Autocollimators and profilometers. I undertake all these tasks after putting on the correct PPE which consists of coveralls, hairnet, nitron gloves, shoe covers and sometimes face masks.

I have attained a PEO level 2, and been trained up on all the relevant test equipment in optical inspection. I have also learned to ask questions and to constantly push myself and do the best I can whenever faced with a task. I am currently working through my NC in Engineering Systems which I look to comfortably pass.

I am enjoying my programme very much and come in every day to learning something I previously did not know and also further improving the current skill set I already had, every day is different. Being part of a team is also a big positive for me, being included and having my opinions and thoughts actually listened to is great.

I feel very valued at Leonardo. This is all down to a good welcome and introduction to the field by the apprentice management team and my current supervisor.

The induction was a bit of a mess and dragged on which I felt was unnecessary, although I know the apprentice team and those involved did their best and something's just have to be done and cannot be altered such as power points and what not, the biggest problem for me in the induction was the program called project Stanley, it just felt like a waste of time on something that is made up.

At the college I feel some lecturers are more than happy to listen and will help but others will not, some lecturers just repeat the same point even when it is still not sinking in with students they persist instead of listening to the actual problem from us, sometimes a case of "if I raise my voice you should understand" which I don't think helps at all.

When needed, the support received by apprentice management and my supervisor is fantastic. The apprentice management team in particular always take anybody's opinions on board and nobody is treated any different just because they are an apprentice, they treat us all like adults and do not belittle us or our opinions. I also feel I can approach my current supervisor with any problem or opinion and it would be listened to. Although I feel the notice that apprentices have to give for holidays is a bit excessive as ordinary employees don't have to give as much notice as apprentices.

I feel the salary received from Leonardo is enough but being a first year apprentice and on the lowest wage bracket can sometimes be challenging when having my own house and car to run coming from Fife to Edinburgh everyday. The college being in Dalkeith and being there for 6 months also meant more money spent on fuel.

There are many opportunities outside of work. With many apprentices volunteering for events and also organising of social nights for every year group to get to know one another, there is also always classes and further education available if needed. I have always worked since I left school and in-between college days as a carpet fitter then I got an apprenticeship doing fabrication and welding.

Yes

It is a great company with plenty of opportunities and also comparing the apprentice program to the previous one I was on doing welding it is incredible.

My biggest tip would be to over prepare, as everything comes at you thick and fast at the assessment centre and the online tests are challenging.