Apprentice Review

As a machine shop apprentice I am responsible for operating both CNC and manual machines such a multi-axis lathes, milling machines and even grinders. These machines produce components that make up various ejection seats and after they have been machined we de-burr and inspect them to aerospace quality standards. I carry out these tasks as well responsibilities such as mentoring newer apprentices.

Before starting at Martin-Baker I had never used any machinery and never learnt metal work as it was not taught at my school. However, throughout my apprenticeship I have been trained on various machines and learnt the basics such as hand tools and manual machining, to state of the art manufacturing systems and inspection methods, all taught by skilled work colleagues with years of experience. I have learnt new skills including my ability to communicate with different people and have been sent on team building activity themed trips to develop ourselves as individuals and our team work.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my on-site practical training as well as my theoretical training at college. It is very satisfying working for a company that saves lives and promotes British engineering. All of the new skills I have learnt have helped me with my day-to-day working life and my future career. I have loved every part of the apprenticeship so far and am looking forward to continuing my career at Martin-Baker.

The programme is delivered in two parts, theoretical training delivered by a training provider at college and practical on-site training delivered at work. The company lays out a plan for you to follow throughout your apprenticeship exposing you to different areas of the company and learning new skills as you progress. If your performance at work and college is up to standard you get a salary increase every 6 months or so throughout the programme.

Martin-Baker provides huge support for its apprentices, I, along with my fellow apprentices have my fuel expenses paid for when traveling to college and still get paid as if we were at work on that day. The team in HR that looks after the apprentices are always available and will help to rectify any problems you may have.

The college provides a training programme to develop theoretical learning that will incorporate with your practical training in the workplace. They provide various qualifications that will be achieved at the end of the programme. The tutors at the college provide support throughout your apprenticeship and try to provide help when it is required.

The theoretical training I received at college can help me with my day-to-day work. For example, I can use the equations taught to me in college to help deal with machining problems I may encounter. Also, the organisation skills I have learnt at college help me plan out my work throughout the day.

There are lots of activities and social events for an apprentice at Martin-Baker. There is a football team that runs on a Tuesday after work, a cricket tournament runs throughout the summer months (each department has its own team) and the apprentices have a social evening going out for food/drinks every couple of months. The company also organises trips for the apprentices such as going to air shows.

Yes

My experience as an apprentice at Martin-Baker has completed shaped my employability due to the skills in both my day-to-day work duties and my confidence in and out of the workplace. Anyone who wants to do an engineering apprenticeship need look no further, Martin-Baker is proudly a British company that saves lives as their business and truly appreciates that apprentices are the future of the company.

Martin-Baker wants to see people who are enthusiastic about engineering and a future career at the company. Hobbies and interests related to engineering are always going to help out an application along with a hard working attitude and a willingness to learn. As an apprentice at Martin-Baker you will communicate with management, colleagues and fellow apprentices throughout your apprenticeship so good socialising skills are very useful.