toolmaker Review

when on the job my role is to perform preventative maintenance and repairs on the tools and dies that come from the press shop. Eventually I will also drive the cranes that are used to move the dies around. whilst in college for the first year I spend most of my time in the workshop using the lathes and milling machines.

since starting I have learned many new skills and have learned many new things such as how to use milling machines and lathes, how to grind tooling and how to work accurately to very tight tolerances. I have learned how to correctly use hand tools and the proper practices for working in an industrial environment.

I am enjoying my programme most of the time. Learning new skills is very interesting and makes the experience very fulfilling, the only parts which can be a bit tedious is if you complete your work and finish your assessment pieces ahead of schedule, you can spend a while waiting around for the next task.

the programme is quite well structured and gives you enough time to learn the skills before requiring you to complete a more complex assessment piece. the order in which you complete the modules is quite well set out and the order helps you to understand what is expected of you in the coming modules

Early on I received quite a lot of support from my employer, but due to internal issues that support has become somewhat sporadic. this is not such a big issue as I only spend the first year in college full time, so after that it is much easier to ask for help from the employer.

the training provider meets up regularly and ensures there are no issues that have arisen with my training. this is good as the regular meeting help to combat any issues as they arise and stops problems escalating. As I haven't really needed too much support I can't comment on the level of support given if a problem were to arise however.

the qualification I will be earning will not necessarily directly help me in my role, however a lot of the skills I have been learning will still be useful. For example, although I may never use a milling machine in my role, the knowledge of what is possible will help me to communicate with the machine shop.

At the company there are quite a lot of social activities that you can get involved in, including charity work for local clubs or areas. there are always things going on and a monthly employee bulleting to let you know about any official events which are set to take place, which is useful.

Yes

Although I am a first year apprentice, I actually transferred onto the apprenticeship from inside the plant, having worked there for four years. The company does seem to care about the wellbeing of its workers and has over the past few years really started to invest in its own people, being the best paid in the sector is also a very fine incentive.

The tips I would have to offer are to be honest, with yourself, and on your application, make sure you think about the questions asked. if you do make it to the online assessments it is well worth setting more than enough time and ensuring that you wont be disturbed.