Apprentice Fitter Review

In a day to day basis i am responsible for ensuring my job is made to the optimum quality that GE's customers expect, I am also responsible for ensuring I follow safe working practices. It is equally important to make sure others around me following this also, thank you.

I have learnt how to read manufacturing plans (Mps) to do my job correctly, various fitting techniques that allow me to perform my job quickly and efficiently. I have developed my hand skills, which involves drilling, reaming, sanding, bonding, shrink fitting, touching up paint, working with composite materials, all this helps me.

I enjoy the day to day activities and challenges that occur, i do not enjoy being placed on tasks that do need develop my skills or knowledge. I Believe it is important to remain safe with the proper gear to protect yourself from harmful materials, this is usually done to a reasonable standard by the EHS department.

My first and 2nd year was not very well organised or structured, it did get better within my 3rd year o preset but remains to be fragmented to a degree within certain areas of the company/workforce. When the program is well structured it can be very enjoyable, I hope this continues to improve.

I receive support in the form of 2 hours study time a week, this is helpful when doing my HNC do to the large work load and limited time due to being in full time employment, this time has been refused in the past which made it difficult to complete all my work to a high standard.

In some areas I received lots of support which made me a more competent employee, and made the job much more satisfying to complete knowing the support was there. In others I had little to no support, which was frustrating. I am lucky that my current area provides me with good support.

My training helps me fully understand and comprehend the job, this makes it easy to complete to a high standard. Without this training I do not think my understanding would be as high, resulting in a poorer quality of work. So when the opportunity for training arises i will always take the offer up.

There are no extra curricula activities run by GE. I think it would improve working relationships if this was done, the only way this happens outside of the normal work place is if it is self arranged by the employees, such as a self arranged and paid for Christmas meal. Or a friendly football game.

Yes

I think the company as a whole is a good company to work for, I have heard very good things about other GE sites. The benefits are good, the hours are good, and the overtime is there if it is needed. I hope Hamble can improve upon its current state.

Ensure you have previous engineering experience, that you have an eye for perfection. Ensure you are willing to work as part of a team and have a good amount of patience, if you do not already have good hand skills work to improve them. GE can train you if you are willing to learn.