Multi-skilled engineering engineer Review

My role is a multi-skilled engineering apprentice. Day to day at work I help out with any breakdowns of machinery as well as carrying maintenance to hopefully prevent the machines from future breakdowns. Outside of work I attend college one day per week, this is to achieve the qualifications for the course, such as the nvq level 3 and level 4.

During the course so far I have achieved a level 2 qualification for practical engineering skills such as hand fitting, machining and electrical skills. During the second year of the course I achieved a level 3 in operations and maintenance engineering. For the third and fourth year I have been working towards a HNC level 4 in general engineering which incorporates electrical and mechanical engineering.

I enjoy learning whilst working which is why I chose an apprenticeship over studying at university, personally I find it easier to learn new skills if I study them theoretically and then practice them on a day to day basis. I enjoy working as part of a team and I feel that now there are a group of apprentices where I work we all help to complete certain tasks together and share what we have learnt.

Most of the time my ideas are listened to and considered along with everyone else's when problems are trying to be solved. Our work and college performances are graded and recognition is given for this. Each year we are given either a number of small projects or a large project which ties in with our college course.

The college course is structured around a number of units which need to be completed to achieve the qualification. To complete each subject unit a number of assignments or in class tests need to be completed, this means that the majority of work can be carried out when it suits you.

If we become stuck on certain tasks with the college work each lecturer will be happy to go over the topics again until you feel that you understand it properly. I enjoy the college course as I learn about things which interest me as well as helping out with my job role.

Whilst at work each apprentice has certain people that they can go to if they need help with anything or support with how to complete tasks or projects. Along with their manager and mentor the apprentices also have a mentor from the early talent team which can help with anything.

My travel costs when travelling to college and back home are fully covered, my fuel for each journey is paid for as well as the car parking fees. My salary is fairly competitive and a pay rise occurs every six months, pay rises and yearly bonus' are performance based, therefore the rating which I achieve for each year will directly affect my pay rise and bonus, the better the performance the larger the pay rise and bonus will be.

There are a number of social events which occur throughout the year, along with this there are several apprentice social events also which are solely for apprentices or graduates. Each year apprentices can take part in a team event called the brathay apprentice challenge which involves reaching out to the local community and teaching them about apprenticeships.

Yes

I have largely enjoyed my time at GSK during the apprenticeship and I feel that I have learnt a number of new skills which will be helpful throughout the rest of my career. Along with skills I will also have qualifications which will help me to further my career in the future.

During the whole process I would advise people to be themselves and talk about things which interest them as it is easier to talk naturally about things which you are passionate about, also try to link your interests or experiences to the type of apprenticeship which you are applying for.