Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Tuesday and Thursdays are spent at college doing university modules on the Tuesday and Thursdays are spent doing a level 2 qualification. The rest of the week is spent doing activities the revolve around personal development, i.e volunteering or hosting events, shadowing other apprentices and/or Engineers on site or working on our first year project.

Yes, I have developed my soldering skills through our level 2 qualification, my ability to communicate with others in a professional manner has improved. My general knowledge about the business ad high level overview of all the operations/tasks that occur on site. Through the first year project I have learnt how to manage a project and develop many of my soft skills.

I feel its a great opportunity to learn about the company and get a real feel for the work environment whilst getting my degree. Due to the fact that we don't go onto rotations in first year it can be slow at times. Overall I think that the apprenticeship is a great opportunity and in my opinion is a step above doing a degree purely through university.

The apprenticeship has a great structure, and is clearly laid out for us. We know exactly what is expected of us and when it is expected. The actual university course could be better organised, giving us our deadlines in advance and not having them constantly changing. Overall The structure/organisation of the programme is great.

We have weekly cohort meetings where we have the opportunity to discuss all that has been happening in the past week and what is coming up in our calendars. this is an opportunity to raise any concerns or deliver any praise. We also have Monthly touch points with our manager to see how we are coping and what we've been getting up to. We meet with our college representative quarterly to see how we are coping with the apprenticeship.

We work in an environment where everyone is willing to help us and when an individual doesn't know how to help, they will direct us know who could help us. Our lecturers are happy to spend extra time with us when we are struggling to understand something, as well as offering extra lessons if they are needed.

Getting an understanding of the subject matter in the work environment provides better context. The information that we learn at college is practical and helps us in the work place, thus helping us preform better in the work place. I feel an apprenticeship is the way forward for some who absorbs information better in this manner.

There are many opportunities on site to get involved in social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events. As an apprenticeship we organise events to help develop our relationships with each other. We also have many opportunities to volunteer at events that are hosted by us and other companies, this allows us to network with other engineers and employees on site.

Yes

As mentioned previously I feel that apprenticeships are great for people that absorb information better when there's practical application. I feel the apprenticeship that GE offers is a great opportunity to get involved with a great company that allows you to grow as an individual and has so many opportunities for us to get involved in.

Be open and honest. Its important to show them all the skills you are currently have and those that you want to develop. Its important to show who you really are and what your intentions are. It's a great opportunity and that should be embraced. Just be yourself and try your best.