AMT engineer Review

My role involves fault finding and scheduled maintenance on the emissions measurement devices. On a day to day basis this will involve tasks like weekly verifications (checking system integrity for leaks, checking gain on analysers), regular service work (changing of gas pipework, filters). Fault finding involves processes such as 50/50 split, 5 whys and 8D for faults such as leaking system, software errors, incorrect input values etc.

I have developed many new skills. The main skill is fault finding as some of the systems, especially those used in certification are very complicated and require a variety of approaches to ensure the timely location and rectification of these issues. I have also developed skills to communicate appropriately with people of varying levels of seniority to me.

I have mostly enjoyed my program. The work I do whilst in plant has been interesting and enough to keep me busy, while not too much so that it interferes with my personal life or studying. The practical portion of my studying was also good as this portion of the course was well organised and the lecturers knew their subjects well. The academic portion of the studying is not well organised with major changes taking place partway through the year and staff not always available for each subject.

Most of the program is very well organised and structured, aside from the academic portion at the college. Major subjects have been introduced halfway through the year leading to insufficient time to properly complete them and lecturing staff are not always available for the section of the subject they are supposed to teach, leading to postponement until they are.

I receive a good amount of support from my employer. This includes a team dedicated to ensuring the effective delivery of the course and work based learning managers that track my progress and make sure that everything is working properly and listening to an concerns that I might have. In addition to this I have been given time to work on subjects that I am struggling on within my work hours as well as working with ex apprentices within my department to solve particular issues.

some support has been provided from the training provider such as availability of some staff outside of my usual attendance time there and material available on the google classroom, however, attempts to get further material have met with no success. There are tutorials in several subjects but it is difficult to attend these as they interfere with the 12 hours of rest required between shifts.

The workshop aspect of my qualification has allowed me to develop my tool handling and fault finding skills and this has helped me significantly with my job role. The maths and mechanics aspects of my academic qualification have assisted in the understanding of some of the complex measuring principles used by some of the analysers. The automotive aspect of my course helped me understand the tuning of cars and how this affects the emissions.

There are some extra curricular activities that are available, such as the team improvement circle system where a team comes up with a BIT idea and presents it in a competition at various levels (local, national, international etc.). The college also offers some activities such as the chassis dyno running days where you can use the chassis dyno on your own car to learn about tuning and drivetrain losses.

Yes

The course offered is a set of very useful qualifications and a degree from a well renowned university with none of the usual disadvantages of student debt. The course is mostly well organised and based on my experiences the work within the plant environment is very good and useful as it puts you in a better position than someone with just a degree.

I would recommend having experience in the field that you are applying for (engineering/IT etc.) before applying for the course as this will not only improve your standing in the application and interview process but will also give a good basis to start learning so that you are not starting from scratch.