Technical apprentice Review

On a day to day basis I study at Warwickshire college, learning about general engineering. As this is my first year, most of my time is spent at college, however through college holidays, I go into the office and I am given work for the amount of time I am there.

Yes, I had no previous engineering skills before so I have learnt a variety of new skills. Mostly they include practical skills such as being able to operate machines like milling machines, and make certain objects from metal in sheet metal. Through theory I have also learnt how to use CAD, and learnt about different materials and the maths that goes with engineering.

I especially enjoy the practical side of my programme, I enjoy learning the new skills and doing something very interesting such as engineering. When I am in the office, I like learning about the different sites and current projects/problems people are working on, and I like being able to get involved with that.

My programme is organised to the extent that I have work for when I am in the office, and I am able to go on training and do physical work instead of all theoretical. However the college side of the programme I do not think is organised as well, this is only because when a staff member is not in, they do not find a member of staff to teach that subject, so I feel as though we are behind in that subject then as we only have three week theory blocks.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, this is in the way that they have made it feel as though I can ask them any questions I may have, and I am able to get into contact with my team leader/managers very easily, which makes it better.

I receive support especially in the practical lessons. This is because they help you and go through one to one with you on your work. However I do not feel I receive support on the theory side, this is because some lessons are not taught, and we are expected to research the questions asked and understand and write our assignments based on that.

I feel like my qualification helps me benefit me in my role because I am taught vital skills needed. These are Maths, physics, material knowledge, electronic principles and many more. These are beneficial for my role because I may have to use this knowledge whilst on a job one day or when advising a customer.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved with, one of these is football, which involves playing against other large companies such as Jaguar Land Rover. There are also lots of team building activities and trips to go on, also there are Christmas meals which happen each year throughout the teams.

Yes

I would recommend Siemens to a friend because it is a very large influential company. There are already lots of benefits in the way of helping career progression, and benefits to health such as discounted gym memberships, which helps towards a healthier lifestyle and also a brighter and longer career.

The advice I would give to someone applying to Siemens would be, to be open to a lot of opportunities including the potential to travel, be able to fully commit to being hard working, and therefore be ready to receive career benefits and progression. The most important part is being enthusiastic to the work and have a small amount of knowledge for the part you are applying for.