Apprentice Review

Currently we are in college and so our days consist of workshop or lesson based days. In workshop we learn fundamental skills used in workshops and how to follow risk assessments and SOP's. In the lessons we learn mostly mathematics with some lessons on materials and manufacturing processes and some on CATIA V6 (CAD).

I've learnt a lot of new skills on computer aided design (CAD) and how to follow and meet workshop standards. Some of the skills learnt seem redundant for our future jobs but they are interesting to know anyway and can sometimes give an appreciation of what colleagues in other departments may experience.

I enjoy learning new things and the training offered on in plant weeks. We are often treated more like students/children than employees but most staff treat us with some respect. I think college could be run better as some college assessors could be deemed inconsistent with marking. It is a process that must be done to reach an end goal.

Some of us started our college course without a timetable to follow (with some of us still without one) and some of the lecturers arrive to lessons late and unprepared. The in-plant weeks are very well organised with a lot of time and effort put in to ensure they are informative and enjoyable.

Our managers are very supportive and always try make themselves available if you need to discuss anything with them or have any queries. If you do raise any issues you have, they are very accommodating and will spend the time to make sure you have all the support you need.

Some of our lecturers are very supportive and offer constructive criticism that allows us to improve our work. However, some of the staff sometimes give vague feedback that makes it difficult to improve work on. Our workbased managers always work with us to set achievable targets for improvements of our behavior and work.

Our current training doesn't seem to have relevance to our future roles which can sometimes make it difficult to appreciate the skills we are learning. The topics covered in maths should prepare us for later on in our apprenticeship but some of the teaching is so poor we have to teach each other the topics. This has been raised multiple times as an issue.

At the minute, because we aren't in plant and don't have access to our emails and portals, the extra activities through work aren't available to us. The college doesn't offer much for the apprentices to get involved in as they're more geared towards their student.

Yes

The company itself is a supportive and encouraging environment and, while the training provider leaves a lot to be desired, the company is is brilliant to work for. During and after the application process, the staff are very supportive and our managers offer advice and support in staying organised and managing work/life balance.

While there is a lot of work to do for the course, it is manageable providing you meet the deadlines and hand work in of a sufficient level. Ensure you discuss any and all issue you have during and after the process as staff will be more than happy to offer their advice and support to resolve them.