Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

My role as a degree apprentice changes every 6 months where i start a new project. I have just started a new project and so i am working as a systems engineer for a test bench. It is a new project so i am learning a lot and writing early docments.

In my previous project i have learnt many technical skills regarding software writing and i had to learn a new programming language. I have also learnt and developed many existing skills through university and the electronic and software modules involved with that. The skills i have developed mostly is professionalism, how to carry myself, respect, and more presentation and soft skills.

I enjoy the team i am currently working with. The culture around site is very friendly and everyone seems to be in a very nice community. The work is okay, the pressure and amount of uni work is quite a lot. There are people in full time uni who do the same number of modules as myself and struggle without working for another 30+ hours a week.

the programme is very structured. The majority of our time is managed by ourselves and we are made responsible for doing this and completing our tasks in a reasonable timescale. At work we have reviews and gateways that we have to have tasks completed by but uni is done entirely as an individual

I receive a lot of support from my employer, whether that is just general questions, setting up a mentor for myself, or technical questions in my day to day work. I can also receive uni work support as the older years are more than willing to help whenever they can.

My training provider I think has been quite good. They are always offering their help during lectures and asking if anyone is stuck with something that isn't letting them continue with their work. I have often sent a quick message to get a reply with a well explained response.

I think my qualification provides a baseline understanding of what may be required to know in order to work in my job. There are a lot of things which I learnt that did not seem too relevant but have been applied in a way that was not obvious to me initially.

There are plenty of extra activities that many people get involved with. I have seen a few sports teams, running clubs, or even mental health seminars that are emailed around to almost every employee. There is also an early careers Christmas party which the 2nd year apprentices normally organise which gets everyone involved.

Yes

I personally think that they are a good company to work for. Every place has it's flaws and GE is no exception. I would recommend them to a friend because the work is interesting, they pay well, and the atmosphere at work is always positive but equally hard working.

When I applied, I was lucky enough that my brother had applied two years prior and he gave me some advice. I would say that GE aren't looking for a perfect individual so don't feel massive pressure on the assessment days. They want someone with fresh ideas who is passionate about engineering and is willing to learn and develop technically, professionally, and personally.