Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice Review

As an apprentice in mechanical maintenance, the role of the job is to carry out routine maintenance and respond to breakdowns of mechanical plant and equipment, which includes heating, ventilation, vacuum pumps, centrifugal pumps, gearboxes etc. The job involves both observational and practical tasks, as well as filling out all of the necessary paperwork.

During my time at AWE, I have learnt and developed lots of new skills. In the skills academy (training shop), I have learnt how to use various tools for hand fitting and mechanical maintenance tasks. I have also learnt how to machine materials, using lathes, mills and various drilling and grinding machines. Whilst doing rig assemblies, I have learnt how to use lasers for precision alignment of shafts, gears and pulleys. Out on my workplace placements, I have learnt diagnostic techniques by using ultrasound and thermography equipment.

I really enjoy the work that I do at AWE, I had always wanted to get into an engineering job role and this has been a fun experience, full of opportunities. Every day is different, with lots of new mechanical tasks that I hadn't had the opportunity to work on before. The people there are very friendly and helpful, the managers are always happy to help and give advice.

The induction process was good, full of information about the workplace and who to go to for support. The training has been brilliant, I have learnt lots of new practical skills and learnt the theoretical side to engineering and how different mechanical systems work. College was alright to start with, but it became more difficult due to Covid, as this meant learning from home, but they did the best they could and provided the support they needed - my whole class passed with flying colours!

My manager is absolutely brilliant, he does everything he can to help you out and provide support, he's really easy to talk to and just a really friendly guy. The Mentors within workplace placements are good, they give advice and help you out with new mechanical tasks. The HR team are good too, they have helped me out with lots of queries and they're really easy to contact via phone or email.

During college, we had lots of support from our tutors. They were easy to contact via email or phone and always made sure you knew what you were doing. I was even offered extra support from a tutor outside of college hours. AWE agreed to allow me to go into college an extra half day a week to get additional help with the engineering maths (calculus, quadratic equations, simultaneous equations and trigonometry), which is something I really struggled with!

The qualification has allowed me to gain knowledge on engineering theories, which help me better understand how mechanical systems work. I have also learnt through the qualification, the importance of choosing the correct materials for things such as gaskets, as not all gasket materials are suitable for certain fluids. The maths has helped me to learn how to work out angles using trigonometry, which just allows for better precision work.

There are lots of activities and events to get involved with at work, when you first join AWE, you will spend a few nights away with your new colleagues on an ice breaker event, which involves camping, archery, climbing, orienteering, cycling and other group problem solving tasks. I have got involved with the 'women in engineering' events at work. This is where we have hired out a hall and invited young girls from local schools to come and have a go at fun science and engineering games and tasks, to get them interested and thinking about developing a future career in engineering. Other apprentice events include regular air soft meet ups and making a soapbox car. There are plenty of benefits open to you through working at AWE, you can get discounted gym memberships for your local gym, so this is something I do with friends outside of the workplace.

Yes

AWE offer an excellent training scheme and an exciting place to work with lots of opportunities. The rotation of workplace placements allows apprentices to learn about different aspects of the company and see how others work, it also enables you to have a go at lots of different mechanical tasks. The company have good, strong values and are devoted to ensuring it is a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage a workforce that includes individuals from all backgrounds, religions, LGBTQ+ individuals, women in engineering etc. AWE also offers lots of benefits such as a 9 day working fortnight and every weekend off, generous amounts of annual leave and every bank holiday off, a very good pension, discounts for shops and restaurants, gym memberships and car lease.

During the application process, make sure you research the company, who they are and what they do. Also have a look at the things they value as a company. During the interview, just be yourself and make sure you show a genuine interest in the job role and be keen to learn.