ME Apprentice Review

For the first 18 months I didn’t have a set role. I was in the training centre working towards my level 2 qualification for the first year. Then I had a short placement in the summer. The next 6 months were spent doing another drawing and Cad course. I was now starting placements but due to covid19 I am on furlough.

I have learnt a lot about machinery and the whole manufacturing process. I have completed many different tasks such as welding, milling and turning. I have also learnt about digital systems influence the workplace and how they can be used to track what is being done.

I enjoyed being in the training centre and learning new skills. I also enjoyed seeing th AMRC in Sheffield. However, at times there seems to be a lot of pressure put on apprentices. The first 9 months were really intense. The nvq qualification was squeezed from 12 months into 9 months. This made it difficult to take holidays and got a bit stressful as university also piled on top.

Overall, it has got a good structure in place. However, the first 9 months were really intense. The nvq qualification was squeezed from 12 months into 9 months. This made it difficult to take holidays and got a stressful as university also piled on top. This should have been 12 months as the spare months we went on a small placement. Which was good, but I’d rather have less pressure during the year.

There is loads of support for apprentices. We can talk to our apprentice development leader who is a massive help. There also many other avenues such as help lines etc.

The university provides textbooks and online resources for us to revise from. For our nvq qualifications the trainers were useful. in helping with any problems we had. The university also has many support networks to help with studying, essay writing or any other problems that happen.

It links directly to what I am doing. Some of the process we learn about the company already uses. This really enhances learning. Furthermore, we Have done many courseworks relating to our place of work. This helps with understanding our role at a better level.

There is a leisure centre next door where rolls Royce have a cricket, football, rugby team etc. There are other extra curricular activities that come up for people to take part in.

Yes

It is challenging ans rewarding at the same time. You’ll learn a lot both in terms of work and personally. There’s loads of opportunities that come up all the time. So you’ll never be stuck in the same old job role.

Be yourself. Don’t go over the top to impress. Let them employ you for being you.