Mechanical Engineering Design Degree Apprentice Review

How to work in a safe manner: you will become familiar with industry guidelines and regulations such as LOLER, PUWER and COSHH • Produce drawings and designs using Computer Aided Design (CAD) • Auto-CAD and additional design & prototyping programmes • Maintenance of existing equipment and manufacture of new parts when required • Problem solving and fault-finding

How to be more competent in using AutoCAD software e.g. detailing drawings, modelling and along with proposing my input into direct project work. I have also learnt how to comply with the British Standard (BS) when undergoing daily tasks put in front of me. Technical communication has improved as well.

I enjoy that I can study the courses intended for where I need to be in my engineering career with the financial aspect looked after. I also like working along with different skill levels of people, the graduates and engineers are always there to support me when I need it.

The apprenticeship has provided me events and activities to boost my portfolio as an apprentice as well giving me key insights to the nuclear industry. On the other hand NNL should promote the scheme more, comparing to other industry leaders. Overall a good apprenticeship, I am in particular looking forward to studying my degree.

I always get sufficient support from my employer. They keep me updated with up coming tasks and are always at hand to provide me help whenever I am stuck. I feel comfortable asking questions to my peers as I do in a team environment when getting my work completed.

There support is somewhat decent but isn't always consistent. Recently a task which hasn't been taught has been put on a assignment and is expected to be completed! Even though the lecturer hasn't a solution for it. In summary there is room for improvement.

The education I receive from my training provider provides me a theoretical understanding of the practice within the workplace. But in terms of core principle modules (e.g. mechanical engineering principles) this type of academic study has increased my competency in applying quantitative and analytical approaches to in house projects.

There is lunch time lecturers (e.g. alumni from links with universities) to attend as well STEM events. These extra-curricular activities can benefit in two ways, increasing my understanding on what is going on in the nuclear industry and NNL and also promoting myself as a degree apprentice to other people working within different engineering industries.

Yes

Excellent start for career progression in a exciting industry. Skills and knowledge picked up along the way, mould you as an individual to become a design engineer, ready to tackle problems.

Focus on what you can offer and how you would fit in with NNL's mission to become a world leader in nuclear engineering & science solutions.