Rating

7.4/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • Working as a mechanical design engineer means that my day to day tasks involve design equipment to be used in a nuclear environment. This includes scheme design, detail design, checking procedure, approval procedure and finally procurement of the equipment. I also prepare documents such as calculations, technical files and risk assessments.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Yes. Having left school at 16 I didn't have any experience with engineering, everything I've learned over the past 5 years have been completely new skills. I've continued my academic studies through part time college tuition. This has allowed me to develop my technical knowledge that I can apply to my daily work.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • In terms of NNLs apprentice programme I have enjoyed the sessions with my cohort as they've allowed me to meet other apprentices within the company that are of a similar age. As well as having the opportunity to work as a team and develop skills such as public speaking/presenting.

    8/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • I feel that the programme could have been more structured and organised. However, I'd put this down to us being the first year to follow this programme so there was bound to be some teething problems. In regards to my academic programme, I've found it very structured with a clear route to take.

    7/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I think I receive enough support from my employer that I require. I know who I need to contact if I have any questions. I've always been given adequate time away from work to continue with my studies and the NNL have supported my decision to pursue a degree after my apprenticeship.

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • I was able to get in touch with my training provider whenever I wanted and we arranged monthly visits to track progress where they would also offer assistance on completing write-ups and paperwork. I think my training provider has given me plenty of support throughout my apprenticeship, which made the whole process easier.

    8/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • During my time at Gen2 I was able to learn key engineering skills that have prepared me for the workplace. By getting hands on experience in things such as bench fitting, mechanical maintenance, machining and hydraulics & pneumatics I was able to learn engineering principles that I have applied to my design work.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • No, I don't believe there are and I think it would be something that I would enjoy. If we had some clubs where people with similar interests could get together I think it would be beneficial for the people and the company, as relaxed social environments like that can spark innovation.

    2/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend National Nuclear Laboratory to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I think that the work we get is interesting and they are fully supportive of anyone wanting to enter engineering and develop there skills as an engineer. I think that in terms of career and pay progression in apprenticeships the NNL is very good and you have a clear path in order to grow inside the company.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to National Nuclear Laboratory?
  • Ensure that you have an enthusiasm for working in the nuclear industry and enjoy a challenge. Be prepared to take on difficult work but don't worry because there are plenty of supportive people who have years of experience that can help. I think one of the best parts of my apprenticeship has been the people I've worked with that have helped me develop as an engineer.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

North West

February 2019


View More Reviews
Recruiting? See how we can help you