Leathershop Apprentice Review

Leathershop Production Apprentice - day to day learning of all te processes within leathershop from associate through to managment. Learning modern and traditional upholstery at Chichester College. A few projects to complete oer the three years including bespoke gifts, RR Go-Kart challenege and general furniture re-upholdtery.

Gained a level 3 NVQ, equivilant to 2 A-Levels. In college I have learnt modern and traditional upholstery skills as wel as time managment and the improtance of good customer relations. At work I have learnt lean manufacturing techniques, continuous process improvement, root cause analysis and advanced product quality planning - as well as leather covering and seat upholstery.

I enjoy work, the hours are easy to get used to and I get on well with associates and managment. Company culture is to reward hard work which is a good bonus as well.

As an apprentice you feel like an investment for the future. Managment, often ex-apprentices, often put time aside to teach you new things and involve you in projects. I am often appreciated for teh work I put it but it is difficult to go that extra mile and get recognition for it.

The induction to my apprenticeship was very well structured from what i can remember. Meetings and support are regularly scheduled and available. Training in terms of time scale is okay but I would say that apprentices arent pushed hard enough to fulfill their maximum potential - often left to do simple tasks like laminating.

Not very much support from my college tutor. There is no basis or organised meeting in which I can revieve support, unlike my trainer from work. Our college tutor seems unable to fix serious issues that have been raised y several other apprentices. Our trainer from work offers good guidance and always has a good attitude towards supporting us.

Constant support from managment, HR team and mentors. Unless these people are in meetings, support is widely accessible.

Salary is considerably higher than the apprentice minimum wage, especially considering there is a small pay rise every school year and 3% in January. Easy to live at home and pay a small contribution, travel costs to work are 0 as there is a free bus service from near me. £6 return ticket to get to college twice a week.

I have attended a few external events such as the London reveal of Phantom 8, school events and the RR enthusiats club.

Yes

Good manufacturing experience and potential for progression

Dress well for the interview and amplify your leadership skills. Dont stress about the assesment days and dont be misguided by the RR brand of the apprenticeship, essentially it is a good and well paid manufacturing apprenticeship.