Electronics Apprentice Review

On a usual day, free from quarantine, I would arrive at my workshop and select my tools and equipment from my locker/other storage space - as per instructed, I would receive a brief for the day before undertaking my work. Usually, I am planning my projects using the appropriate software; accounting for the tools to be used, components and machinery. Once all the required risk assessments have been performed, I may start building electronic circuits on breadboard, Veroboard or PCB. My task for the moment is to learn how these circuits work and how to produce them. Soon, I will be tasked with fault-finding broken circuits and produce my own replacements or repairs. Sometimes, I would be doing work set online, such as; PEO questions, safety training or other online assessments.

Yes, many. I have spent much of my time in college, learning the theory to electronics but never being fortunate enough to test my knowledge at a job, until now. I am able to prove how much or how little I knew about the field. For example, I never actually did any soldering at college and my knowledge on measuring equipment was very lacklustre. What I was able to bring with me was my knowledge on designing circuits in Visio, something I have tempered through many small mistakes.

Put simply, before this, I had nothing. My qualifications meant nothing to the places hiring beside me, this was a constant burden on me and my own family who were having to support me for this long. With this job, I can actually relax and know I am doing my part to better myself in a system that actually works. There are many at work who make the day filled with challenges and opportunities. Now I am just proving to them and myself that I can still achieve great feats. So far, I believe I am on a good track.

It both is and isn't well structured, depending on the relativity being applied. To what I am used to and what fills my needs, this is organised enough for me to progress quite well. But this is only a minor part in what we do at what, as demonstrated by the quarantine, I am not a key worker therefore the workplace will not be altered to my specifications - I can have a voice via unions but I do not have the final say by a margin.

My line manager see the greatness in people who are willing to push for it. They also support those who are in their own struggles where applicable, this does not apply too much with me as I do not have college studies to work towards and I am already working hard for my own benefit. They see this and praise me when I maintain the progress and close attention to when I have a concern - regarding safety. I do not contact the senior manager too much, so I do not know if I have their approval, but I believe I have their support from behind the scenes.

I have passed my Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications prior to attending my workplace. Therefore I receive no help here as I have nothing to help with. However, I do still have my NVQ (discussions have been made about the level of this - 4) that I can work towards, to do this, I am working towards the completion of several PEO questions. I get small bit of help as I have stated that the questions thus far are more vague than the complex college questions I am used to.

I do not entirely understand this question, but without this apprenticeship, I could see myself having to give up engineering and my dream career just to make a living. This apprenticeship has everything that I need to be successful, the only thing left is to ensure that I meet, exceed everyone's expectations.

There are, but I have not yet explored these in detail. There is a location outside the main site that is home to activities regarding sports and board games, etc. I am comfortable with my current means of enjoying my workday thus I have not explored what these activities include and whether I would be interested in taking part. There is also an apprentice association for activities run by the apprentices, for the apprentices - the 3A's.

Yes

Because I understand how hard it can be to support such an ambitious goal but not have anyone backing you up. I did not work hard enough in my school or my college, here is where I can change that and I know that there are many who are more or less fortunate that each can have something to earn here.

Remember that this is not a school, some serious work happens here and the purpose of this is to train the next line of engineers to fulfil the company's goal. You don't have to be a supporter of their goal but do remember that the actions you take here will be met with a serious response. My advice is simple; work hard and you will be rewarded by the fruits of your labour. No one here will bring your work down so prove you can exceed their expectations and you will fit in swiftly.