Degree Apprentice Review

I am a CAD engineer working within the seating department. My job is to discuss the business requirements with subject experts to find out what is required, then model the part using CAD software. I also have the opportunity to look at current and previous iterations of the part and suggest improvements to the designs.

Along with the CAD skills I have developed massively in regards to confidence. The frequent presentations and team working activities have given me the opportunity to develop by repeating activities I was previously did not feel to be comfortable with. I have also learnt a large amount of academic skills through the qualification section of the apprenticeship and use this knowledge frequently in the workplace.

I enjoy being in the workplace to a large extent. There are a lot of challenges which allows me to use my problem solving skills frequently; which I enjoy. Academically the course is quite challenging, there are a lot of modules and during the foundation degree section the support is non existent from the lecturers. This means that a lot of the work must be completely self taught.

Structurally the program is very good. Due to being on the sixth wave of apprentices the structure is well defined and serves my learning and development well. The star model that is used means that two older apprentices are always close by to assist you with any issues that you have and have been a great asset to my learning.

Any support needed is always given willingly by my manager and mentor. They will often stop what they are doing when they are able to come and assist with issues. There is also a strong support system of work base learning managers who do their best to help with any academic issues on the apprenticeship

The employer is helpful in that they provide time at the workplace to work on academic work on Friday afternoon. The work base learning managers also do their best to help with all the issues experienced at college. Academic support sessions have also recently been set up by technical specialists for help with mathematical subjects.

I feel that the academic side of the qualification barley influences my work within the organisation. The subjects learnt at college are not in depth enough to transfer any relevant knowledge to the business. This means we have to attend internal training sessions to perform well in our job roles - making the college redundant.

The apprentices often get together outside of work to partake in activities organised by themselves. For example the seating team went to thorpe park. There are also bigger activities such as the Christmas meal. I have also recently tried out for the dragon boat racing team which was advertised through an internal email.

Yes

If someone wants to be an engineer it is an incredible program to do it through. There is no requirement to go to university prior to the course meaning that the student loans can be avoided. It allows a prospective engineer to start on the engineering work as early as they can and earn a lot of money wilts doing so.

Ensure that you have recent work experience in engineering. Don't worry about understanding cars too much as this comes with the experience of the job. The main skill needed for this course is problem solving and perseverance so ensure you practice those skills as much as possible. Get good grades and don't give up on applying, many apprentices on my cohort have applied for the apprenticeship more than once.