AVA Technical Apprentice Review

I work in the technical area of Product Engineering - Body Engineering - AVA. This involves working on projects that require CAD development for parametric models as well as scripting and automation of processes. I mainly interact with people within my area and the internal customers that I deliver projects for. The level of coding that is required is fairly high and has meant learning several languages in a short time. I work fairly independently on my projects with support when need it so have quite a lot of responsibility.

I've taken many training course. Most fundamentally I have learnt how to create models within a CAD environment and how to make these parametric. On top of this I have also learnt 6 coding languages that I can use quite fluently as a result of the area I work in. I have attended mentoring training, problem solving training, and communication training. I have completed a foundation degree in applied engineering along with currently working towards a bachelors and NVQ.

I really enjoy working here, the projects I work on are perfect for me as I have found that I love coding. The team are very supportive and are good to work with, very happy to help and often come to me for support also as I have established myself with a skill that is not very common in the area. There are some issues with the programme with respect to the educational side of things as the college used to obtain the foundation degree was less than poor. However the Uni is a lot better now that I am doing the Bachelors.

There is framework in place for this programme that ensures you have, do and learn everything you need to. The induction is very good, a task list to get you set up, plenty of introductions to areas and people etc. The training has been good, mostly provided at the right time as the framework was still under development at this point for myself. We have allotted time each week in work for Uni based work to allow us to have more personal time at home and keep that balance. The work side of things is well organised with placements and opportunities everywhere.

My manager is extremely helpful and easily approachable as well as my lead engineer. Both will always do what they can to support you or point you in the right direction. I myself am a mentor to other apprentices and answer directly to my lead engineer. There is a large network of information available on the intranet for use and support. Everyone is happy to help.

The support is there however it is a bit lacking. This is mostly due to not having much time at the location of the training provider (For the degree). The general attitude to supporting students from the majority of staff at the Uni is not bad, however sometimes they don't listen properly and try answering before fully understanding the questions.

There are some elements of what I learn at Uni that have helped during my projects, especially with understanding material properties. However a lot of it doesn't necessarily feel relevant at this moment in time. It may well do in the future and therefore is worth taking in, but has not yet been put into practice. I feel my skills have mainly been learnt on the job.

There are mainly events to get involved in. There is a full weekend event every year for teams to enter, involving a cross country trek, with challenges and points to earn. There are lots of social events, even just going out for peoples birthdays, the whole team usually gets an invite for a night out.

Yes

It is a great place to work, with a well designed framework in my area for the apprentices. It has valuable training and can provide you with many skills that you can keep with you for the rest of your life. It is a friendly place and I feel it is a very good place to work.

Don't panic. The application process is relatively straight forward, just answer honestly and if you receive the tests then just do your best. The assessment days can be daunting but just be yourself, relax it'll be fine. The score you get isn't solely based on how well you do with the actual exercises in front of you, but also your behaviour. The onboarding process is very straightforward and all information is provided in plenty of time.