Advanced Manufacturing Apprentice Review

For the first year of my apprenticeship I worked in the prep-selective cell of the PCB. Here I joined a team that all played a hand in teaching me the basics of component prep. On a day-to-day basis I would use a wide range of techniques to fit components to circuit boards, this often involved many different components for one circuit board so always kept the job diverse and interesting

As for new skills I developed a wide range, both directly related and unrelated to the job role I fulfilled. Confidence is one that fits into both categories here. My confidence in the work I was doing increased fast with the training and mentoring I received from my co-workers. On the other hand, my confidence in presenting and general people skills increased massively in running meetings and learning how to interact with a cohort in a professional environment.

My program was enjoyable with ups and downs along the way. The ups tended to be when I was receiving interesting training on-site and developing my skills as a confident worker, or learning about electronic theory and circuitry at college with the other apprentices from my program. I found that was cohort was easy to get along with and played a huge part in the enjoyment of my program

The start of my apprenticeship felt very unprepared, it was clear that there was times in the first weeks where there was no real plan for our new to the site team. However, once settled into the working environment, I have never had an issue with the structure or organisation of the program.

I received all of the support from my employer whenever needed. However, sometimes it was hard to organise training specific to my job role. My apprenticeship manager was the best person to ask for support, especially with all the questions relating to COVID guidelines on site as they often seemed confusing.

I once again received a high level of support here, my training coordinator with the college was always easily reachable. If they did not have the answer I was asking for, they would reach out and get the answer back to me quickly. My tutors were also extremely helpful in this respect too.

For my role, my qualification would mean that when the apprenticeship comes to end, my employer would see me as more talented in their hiring process. It also mean that I would have an understanding of electronics and electrical components and the correct way to handle PCB's. Even just the basics of these are important in making a good member of staff in my role as safety and quality is key.

Although I have not been involved in many myself, there are always communications relating to extra activities and networking events. GE is an inclusive and diverse working environment and is very supportive of people advocating for positive change. Having a company in todays world that is supportive of changing issues in society is refreshing and makes it a happy place to work for

Yes

I would recommend GE Aviation to a young person who is not quite sure what they want to do as their career path. The apprenticeship program I am part of is incredible in introducing you to many different careers and walks of life within the business so there is something here for everyone. No matter what team you become a part of, you will always feel welcome and enjoy every day here.

I would tell them to be prepared for a lengthy process of application so if you apply make sure to stay on top of the emails. I would also say to check all of the apprenticeship paths that GE are part of. As I said before there is a career for everyone at GE, but make sure to apply for a qualification that will benefit you no matter where you end up.