Rating

7.1/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • Every 3 months I swap placements to gain experience. You start off 1 1/2 years in the Skill Academy where you learn the basic skills and health and safety of your trade then afterwards you go on site to apply your skills and taught how to do your day to day job which varies dependent on the placement.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I came into this job with no prior experience so easy to say I have learnt many new skills and I'm offered numerous of courses to further my understanding of my trade. With there being placement you learn how to learn the core skills and apply them making you an effective employee.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • The academy aspect of the apprenticeship is considered the boring aspect. I got on with most people and very enjoy most days there. Now being on site it depends where you go. So far I've had 2 placements but still due alot more. I enjoyed my first placement however my second one has been tough due to the people being hard to get along with. However, I do feel this is a one off and excited for my next placement as its sounds interesting to say the least.

    6/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • Dependent on who you go. The basic frame is well organised but some of the people are a bit useless making the oragnisation poor. However if you are fortunate with a good manager like I was for the first year and a half it makes things easier. You are also paid to go college once a week whilst in your first 2 years and all the colleges are very poor unfortuately however that can't be blamed on AWE thats just colleges being bad. Hopefully, they'll bring training inhouse some day as my mentor gave us lessons to fill patches colleges failed to do.

    3/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Once again this varies person to person. I had a great manager so I could get as much help and guidance as needed and the company has many great benefits so i would say you do get alot of support if requested. But once again if you don't have a good relationship with your mentor then it may not be as good.

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • Alot. If you want to further your training and it benefits the company, they'll pay. If you're contemplating working AWE make sure you reap as many qualifications as you can from the company as the more qualified you get the further you'll go up and ladder presuming you put the effort in.

    10/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • Through my training provider that would be the college so honestly nothing as the college was useless in everyway, shape or form. The mentors do a great job in teaching you the things you should learn at college but as the question is related to my college then I am going to have to rate them low.

    1/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • There are many on-site and off-site clubs, social activities and networking events always taking place. From fishing to gym to rifle shooting, AWE has alot of small events used for leisure and wellbeing. You're not oblidged to do any but you may make some new companions along the way. I've got a group of people I regularly chat to after work online.

    10/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend AWE to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • The pay is very good, there is very little pressure and alot of opportunities. You're given alot of leave to work with and they are alot of good people working here. I have personally helped many people apply for this place but I would recommend taking the apprenticeship approach especially if you're coming straight from school. However there is a large range of ages for apprentices so don't feel you're too old.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AWE?
  • If you do decided you are going to apply, I'd advise to first go along the apprenticeship approach as they'll pay for your extra learning. Apply for multiple categories as they may have spare slots in other places and make sure you look at all the options and if this is the right place for you.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Aldermaston

April 2021


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