Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

I do rotations working on live aviation related engineering projects that are often safety critical. I have worked in a variety of roles and functions (hardware, software, systems engineering on avionics, power distribution and displays for commerical and military aircraft) normally as part of the engineering V lifecycle. Besides this, I have one day per week to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering, delivered by the University of the West of England. I also have up to 5 hours per week to spend on my own professional development and growth.

I have gained a strong understanding of the development lifecycle of high integrity and safety critical engineering products. I have learned a variety of theoretical electronics, software and embedded skills at university and then used said skills both at university and the workplace. I have immensely developed my interpersonal skills.

The programme can be intense and is not for those who wish to coast through into a job. Having said this, I enjoy my programme as it is highly varied (you're able to avoid disciplines you don't like and control your opportunities, to a point), and the support in all sectors of university and professional life is second-to-none. I feel well equipped to make an informed choice about what role I would like to take after graduating from the scheme.

The programme is structured well, having been formed and developed and evolved since it's creation in 2009. Each of the five years feels different, with progress being tangible and reflected upon regularly. Tollgates are normally well defined, having appreciably improved during my time on the scheme. Beyond the overall goals of the scheme, additional skills such as Six Sigma Greenbelt Training is offered to apprentices. There is also an optional two year extension to the scheme in the form of a Level 7 - Master's Degree.

There is a lot of support available in all spheres of apprenticeship life. Academic support comes from higher year apprentices, and any and every employee you ask who has time. Project support is readily available from team members, supervisors and managers. Career discussions and support can be had from most any employee, especially with the apprentice manager and rotation managers. Besides this, working in a successful, global and established company means there are avenues of support beyond the apprenticeship and your current project team. Our success is overseen by the apprentice manager, but is our responsibility.

There is a fair bit of support from the training provider regarding qualifications - improvements are fedback by each year of apprentices and often implemented. The support needs to be sought out as a degree is your responsibility. The majority of support comes from higher year apprentices in the university sphere.

The Bachelor's degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering is highly applicable to the workplace. However, unlike with some other vocations, it's sometimes but not always directly translatable (e.g. learning to create a circuit or perform particular mathematical calculations isn't always going to be repeatable in the workplace). The mindset, probelm solving approach, and responsibility is invaluable and makes you a more flexible engineer, rather than one that can only solve a certain type of equation, or create a particular circuit.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities that can be gotten involved with. There are company cultural initiatives for minorities and increasing visibility of them. There are sports groups for many activities, such as football, netball, running, cycling, and so on. If you see a gap in activity offerings, it is easily possible to create a new club, team, initiative, etc. and advertise it internally.

Yes

When looking back on how much I have learned and changed since leaving sixth form in Summer 2016, it's astounding. My awkward interpersonal skills with limited knowledge in electronics and software (and none in embedded systems) has been developed and nurtured to make myself a valuable asset to the company, and I look forward to graduating and obtaining a value-adding role within a team of my choice. Also, I feel relieved and thankful about where I am now when I consider where I might be at this stage in my life if I had attended university full-time. Doubtless it would have been workable, and is for most, but with what I feel was a lackluster CV, shaky interview skills and an erratic work ethic for academia, I am confident that there are few better opportunities suited to younger me. Having said this, there are some that might not have had such a good experience in the scheme, but this can be minimised by giving your all to the scheme. "You get out what you put in" and so taking every opportunity, giving back and being willing to go the extra distance really makes all the difference, and it's rewarded at GE Aviation. Working at a company like GE Aviation on a scheme like this is an incredible opportunity, and it's criminal that more people (especially school students) don't know about such things.

Don't leave your application to the last minute. Do plenty of research about the company, not just what the scheme offers (after all the majority of your time will be on the live projects). Many people (including myself) do poor research before applying and think the Cheltenham site makes engines, which it doesn't... I have been involved with running CV workshops and mock interviews for many students over the years, besides supporting apprentice assessment centres, and the biggest points to consider as part of your application would be: -Get a clean and tidy CV and cover letter (get any professional person you know to have a look). Briefly reflect on skills and experience you've acquired. -Experience is not utterly mandatory, but incredibly powerful. Work experience isn't about showing you have all the skills and are the best of the best, it's showing that you know you're interested in the line of work and have explored and take your future seriously. 5 years is a lot of time to waste if you're unsure about the the field. -The apprentice manager and early careers team look for potential in people, not achieved success. Having top tier (prediceted) A levels won't carry you through. They're looking for a genuine interest, and ability to grow. Hence it's important to reflect on your experiences and skills. -Talk to people in the field as much as possible. Get a feel for their jobs and experiences. The more you show an interest, an ability to learn and be flexible, work as part of a team, and can communicate that in your application and interview, the better.