Engineering Apprentice Review

Shadowing a fully trained fitter or machinist (placement dependent), learning their skills and the working environment to help produce Gas Turbines for the company. alongside this, over the course of the apprenticeship I completed a level 3 NVQ. Now at the end of my apprenticeship, I have recently successfully found a job within the company

Coming in to the apprenticeship, I had little engineering experience, only possessing a few skills that I picked up from school or my own hobbies. after spending the first full year at the local college, I picked up the basics which I continued to develop over the next 3 years and now would like to think of myself as a competent fitter in the company

My first year at college was very enjoyable, learning a lot of new skills with people at a similar level to myself. Following that, each placement was received differently. some areas a feel I thrived in and in others I felt I struggled with the nature of the work, however there was such a variety of placements that overall it was enjoyable

In theory, the structure should work quite well. 1 year at college to learn the basics, followed by 3 years on the shop floor learning the job. However, what we learnt at college was not job specific so coming onto the work shop in the first few placements is difficult depending on where you re placed as at this point, job knowledge is very low. an additional weeks uni course covering the engines we would be building would have been appreciated

In the first year, the support was okay. HR would be quick to respond to emails however I still feel not much was done when complaints about the college were made. in years 2-4, there was much less support, emails were not responded to very quickly and often the answers just left you to fend for yourself.

Again, this is all placement dependent and shift pattern dependent. Some assessors are more competent and interested than others. some will help you every step of the way and meet with you every few weeks, some you may only see a couple of times in the 4 month placement due to shift patterns or lack of interest

The first year at college set me up nicely for the next 3, however since that point, I felt the NVQ I was completing at work was not particularly helpful to my progression, merely a paperwork exercise. Learning the job and completing the NVQ were not side by side things as one rarely related to the other

Different departments host different activities. personally I did not get involved with many extra curricular activities except from social gatherings in celebration. Different placements would give you some more opportunities than others, it was majorly dependent on who was working in the area and if they were welcoming or not

Yes

Because if you apply yourself to the apprenticeship, are passionate about the work, and show competence and willing, there is a good opportunity to come out of it working for a world renowned engineering company. The pay is good and if you were to leave the company at the end because you could not get a job, you would still have developed a great skill set

Be prepared to encounter all sorts of people, some more willing than others to help. it is important you are willing to adapt to each area you are working in. Stay on top of your NVQ because although it is relatively simple, the work load can become overwhelming if you fall behind