Student Engineer Review

My current rotation is within the stress team, where I am currently completing my dissertation project which is the re-design of the counterweight assembly for the variable pitch propeller. This requires me to use a variety of CAD software to produce the models and then analyse them using FEM analysis to ensure that the model is suitable for its application. I have also been tasked with verifying other models through FEM analysis before the design team progress any further with the design process.

The role has allowed me to develop my CAD software skills which I first used in 6th form college but I have attended training courses that have progressed my skill set significantly. There is still a lot more for me to learn and I hope that over the rest of my apprenticeship that I will continue to develop becoming more profficient with all aspects of the software.

I really enjoy the fact that I am working and studying at the same time as this has allowed me to put into practice what I learn and remember the information more easily. It has meant that I have worked harder and had less time to have the normal uni lifestyle but I have still made the most of the opportunities presented to me. The company has been very supportive of me through my apprenticeship but I have found that at times they have been unaware of what my course includes and this has sometimes affected the work-uni balance.

The course structure has been as follows: the first year was full time at the City of Bristol college studying the foundation year and NVQ level 2, during second year I was working full time within the company whilst studying for 2 days a week, 1 at the CoBC and 1 at the university. The third and fourth year I studied at the university once a week and continued to work full time. It has been a good structure but at times I have found the university lectures to be at unsuitable times and the group projects have been difficult when working with full time university students.

My employer has been very supportive of me throughout my career, especially during the period of time where I was stuggling with illness. However, at times, I have found that because I am the only apprentice in the company I haven't had the support through my course as my employer isn't fully aware of what the course entails. This is being addressed more recently but for the first few years of my course it proved to be quite difficult.

The City of Bristol College has been supportive of my situation and I was assigned an apprenticeship advisor whom I had regular contact with for my NVQ qualifications. I am still to submit my level 2 as there have been difficulties getting modules signed off but generally the support has been good.

The NVQ has provided a platform to track and structure the work that I perform on a day-to-day basis. However, the NVQ does tend to be a bit arduous with the content that it requires and is sometimes not met through basic company practice. Overall it has been a good exercise in structuring my work schedule and tracking my progress.

I have been heavily involved in the STEM group at work which pre-COVID was a very successful programme where we would attend many science fairs and go into local schools to try and encourage the younger generation into STEM. I have also been part of the social golf club where we go to the driving range and get lessons but this only started in October 2020 so there hasn't been much chance to attend sessions.

Yes

The company offers fantastic benefits for their employees and has been incredibly supportive of me throughout my apprenticeship. I am looking forward to spending more time within the company as the risk of covid decreases and I think that Dowty will see good improvements in employee relationships as restrictions start to ease.

GE have a strong team based structure to emphasis on team skills is essential, however, you must also be able to demostrate an ability to work effectively by yourself and produce results. A willingness to learn and develop as a professional is also very important and GE will support in any way that they can on this journey.