Technical Apprentice Review

My role is for the majority a desk job, based in various departments around the business. Daily life is focused on maintenance tasks for Gas Turbines ranging from data based, to technical writing, issue resolving ect... Office is flexi time, which allows me to work in the office 7-3 and with the availability to work from home if needed.

Through travelling around the business to various departments I have gathered a range of skills related to Gas turbine specific knowledge, but also general day to day working skills. This has allowed me to settle into the office and prepare for finalising within a role. Courses I have attended internal Siemens training courses to develop my specific knowledge but also a BTEC level 3 course in advanced manufacturing engineering, HNC and a NVQ in general engineering and once employed the opportunity for a degree is possible. Some of the skills I have developed are: Communication skills Professional confidence Organisation (Time and documentation) Typing ability Technical understanding and initiative Creativity Manual handling and technical engineering ability Re-search skills Self-motivation Flexibility Presenting Body language and office appearance

I have enjoyed my programme as the majority of the placements I have had the opportunity to work within have been interesting, the teams have taken time to develop my understanding of their field of work and greater my knowledge. At first I believed the course to be 'hands on' however I believe my skill set would have been wasted if so. I enjoy my work within my final placement and hope to gain a final role within the company!

The structure at the start of the scheme was not the most developed it could have been, however throughout the years I have been here the scheme has developed drastically and catered to focus on individual development to become a valuable member within the business. I believe if I started my apprenticeship with the current standard I would become a more well rounded individual prepared for a final role.

I have a mentor, manager and placement team support that I can rely on for guidance no matter what may come my way. However the only area for improvement is the HR team as there are limited amount of HR staff which leaves them stretched thin for giving responses to matters.

I get the opportunity to take a day per week to study my HNC as well as an NVQ towards my apprenticeship. The support I can get is from Ex-Apprentices, Tutors, managers and mentors. All of the above individuals are open to giving support and advice when it comes to education.

Training that I have received has given me a base knowledge of which has helped me enter the office with technical abilities and theoretical knowledge. As of now I am continuing to higher my level of knowledge and capability within the workforce to hopefully become a valuable member of the business.

Some of the extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work are: Yearly team building Gym memberships that are reduced to employees and one family member Football team where you can play against other large companies After-work social gatherings VR facilities for team building and communication development. Team Christmas meal

Yes

I would definitely recommend Siemens to a friend because alongside work there are plenty of life benefits that are provided to keep you healthy and impact your future in a positive way. Siemens focus on developing you as an individual both in an educational sense and also mentally towards a career.

The tips and advice I would give when applying to Siemens is to be proactive, have initiative and enthusiasm when working at school to gain the most for when you wish to apply. This will jump start the learning curve an give you a much greater chance of receiving a job offer.