Advanced Engneering Apprentice Review

My recently started placement (started this week) involves shadowing 2 electrical fitters in their jobs, as well as helping out with jobs that I am confident with. Before starting here I was in the calibration lab where my day consisted of learning how to calibrate equipment such as micrometers, geiger counters, pressure gauges, and multimeters. Occasionally I also get called for the Emergency Response Team, where I respond to medical, mental health, rope access, hazardous atmosphere and confined spaced incidents. With the ERT I am also in charge of kit maintenance, ensuring kit is maintained and serviced regularly in accordance with relevant laws.

Yes. Skills I have learnt include: operating a mobile vertical (3a) platform, operating a mobile boom (3b) platform, calibration of various equipment, operation of the calibration equipment, organising and arranging service intervals using Excel, external service proceduces for equipment such as harnesses, breathing apparatus and lifting equipment. Skills I have developed include: Rope access, rope rescue, confined space access, confined space rescue, communication, and general technical skills.

I enjoy my program. In my previous placement where I hope to work when I finish my apprenticeship I worked with a great team who I got along with very well and were always happy to help me learn and develop myself. The mentors I am currently with are also very eager to help me learn and develop my skills. My volunteering in the ERT adds an extra element to my life working with an amazing team who are very supportive of my education and wellbeing.

Up until recently I very rarely got information about my course. I could go weeks without hearing from anybody in the training centre, and when I did it was generally because I was trying to chase something up. The course changes regularly and I only occasionally hear about changes, usually third hand. Recently I have been assigned an assesor who arranges regular reviews and it looks like the communication issues will approve now, I hope it does.

My managers are very supportive in all the activities and training that I undertake. Whenever I request a specific training opportunity or placement they will ensure it is suitable to me and, if it is, help push for me to be able to take the opportunity.

I have not heard anything from Fareham College for months. They get rid of their mentors who would visit us and cancelled the periodic reviews we would receive. The assessors we get are from another company, our instructors are provided by my employer, and our academic training will be carried out on site.

I do not believe the academic training provided from the training provider is helpful towards my role. The questions I receive are vague and I have to spend more time learning what the question is asking than I do learning the answers to the questions. I feel questions tailored to our learning would be better.

In general there are not. I have, though my own efforts, joined the Emergency Response Team, however this is not something generally put forward to apprentices. There are occasional events to take part in which can be enjoyable, such as apprentice week, but I do think there could be improvements.

Yes

The quantity and quality of training received from BAE System directly is exceptional. There are a lot of various course available though the internal training portal, and they are very easy to sign up for if relevant to your role. The pay is also good for the role and there are is a high chance of getting a job when finishing.

Before applying, think about a project you have done that you can bring to the interview and talk about. If you haven't done one, do one. This could include projects such as building a bike, doing in depth maintenance projects or modification on you vehicle, designing/creating objects through machining, and many others.