Engineering Apprentice Review

Engineering Apprentice, I learn basic engineering skills to begin with in my first year at our training provider, and health and safety and basic electrical principles theory. Within the second year I am both on site with my company learning hands on skills in the workshop, and will continue my training with the training provider in 3 months slots, rotating between my companies site and the training provider.

I have learnt how to use a wide range of tools, machines and equipment, including using drills, mills, lathes, rollers, punches, folders, guillotines, and basic hand tools, and have learnt how to do welding. I have been on pedestrian forklift training, and overhead crane training courses.

I particularly enjoy working at my site, when on placement within different engineering fabrication areas and the companies departments. The team at my site is supportive, and friendly to work with. I enjoy the challenges and learning new skills.

I feel that I am part of the team, and that DSTL recognises the importance of apprentices to fill the growing void between people starting and people retiring and the experience which can be lost if people retire and have not had anyone, i.e. apprentices, to impart their knowledge and experience to. I am involved in real projects, and some of the work I do can actually be used in real projects. I am allowed to learn skills and am encouraged and trained by experienced and patient supervisors.

The structure of training whilst at my site is well organised, and I am able to experience a cross section of the companies varied work through visiting different departments and spending time based within them. The only problem is that there is not certainty if we will be able to visit particular departments, and if we do get the chance it is not always known to us from the beginning of the course. The training provided is not as well organised.

The tutors offer good support. They can be slow to reply when work is handed in though. If there are immediate issues or questions though they will normally be able to be asked in person and resolved. There can be some confusion.

My employer and my immediate managers are supportive, and are readily contactable. If a problem arises they endeavour to help, and resolve any issues.

For me personally I find it very hard to live on what I am paid in the first year (£10500 before tax), this is because I do not live with my parents, and live by myself, and my rent is pretty much half of my moths wages, I then have to pay to travel to work, either by bus or car, so either bus tickets or fuel and running costs of a car take another chunk out of my pay packet, on average after my rent, which includes utilities, and after my travel ,and putting about £100 into savings I have £40 a week to buy all my food, toiletries and any treats. I do not go out really, if I did I would find it almost impossible to live on what I am paid in the first year.

There is the opportunity both at my site and with the training provider to take part in STEM activities, which is encouraging and promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in schools, which can be really rewarding, and allows us to tell children about apprenticeships, which are under appreciated in my opinion, and let then know it is a viable alternative to university if they want to do something hands on and earn and learn. There is a gym on both my employers site and the training providers site, the fee is apparently good value, about £15 a month I believe.

Yes

I believe the work that they do has a real impact on people, and helps to protect the country and save lives. The work can be varied and interesting.

Only apply if you are passionate about the area you want to go into. Read on their website and do the research, be prepared for practical tasks at interview, and be honest with them.