electrical design degreee apprentice Review

In my role i work as part of a design team 4 days a week where I gain experience in the electrical design field. As part of this I get involved with a number of on going jobs, in which I can develop my understanding and skillset whilst providing an extra resource for the team. My day to day work can vary hugely, due to the nature of the job. For example, I could be using AutoCAD to complete designs, or I could be writing documents that are required in order to progress a job. I go to college 1 day a week on day release, where I progress my degree.

When working in my current position I have developed my understanding of the role, as well as gaining a number of skills. I regularly use AutoCAD to complete design work, meaning that since my start I have went from no experience on AutoCAD to having a good level of understanding of the software. Also I have learned about how the company carries out its work allowing me to gain understanding and more independence when carrying out the work.

I really enjoy my program. Since I was young I have wanted to work in design, and through this job I have gained valuable experience and knowledge which I can use to progress myself a lot further. I feel that the program allows me the best opportunities to progress myself and develop into a better engineer, benefiting both me and the company.

I feel like the course is structured well, however it could be improved. The course was pre existing, but has been changed recently which has caused a bit of uncertainty. Overall I think that the program has been structured well as it allows me the time to complete my academic studies as well as time in the work place, allowing me to develop in both situations.

During the whole process, I have access to a number of college tutors to support me in all of my college work. At work I have been assigned a line manager who is in place to assign me work, but also to provide support and provide experience in order to complete my apprenticeship. I have also been provided a mentor who I can speak to regularly throughout my whole apprenticeship.

I receive regular reviews from my training provider where we discuss both the academic progress as well as progress at work. This is in place in order to ensure that I am receiving a good level of training, and am on course to pass the apprenticeship. Also their is support available from the training provider available on request.

The academic studies allow me to gain knowledge that can be used day to day as part of work, however most of the time their isn't much of a link between college work. However some of the modules that will be completed are largely to do with the work place.

I have heard of a number of opportunities in work, however I have not been involved with any of these. I know that there is the tall ships challenge available, where a number of people have a week out of work to do team building exercises on a tall ship. Also there is a lot of community work carried out by the company.

Yes

I believe that the company has a lot to offer in term of experience and develop. The industry is massively different from what most companies can offer. The company offers a range of apprenticeships ranging from degree apprenticeships, to craft apprenticeships. This allows opportunities for the vast majority of people.

I would suggest that when applying to the company that you should come prepared with a good CV top make yourself stand out as a candidate. The courses are very competitive in the north west, meaning that it is difficult to get a place in the company without making yourself stand out.