Apprentice Machinist Review

Apprentice Machinist, my daily tasks consist of programming, setting and running CNC machines; I am working my way through milling, turning and grinding operations and the best ways to produce high quality work. I have worked on variously projects including manufacturing new dowel designs for practical testing, I followed the project through turning, milling and grinding operations. I am responsible for my own ability to learn and at times operate the machines with no faults.

I have developed a number of skills including manual milling and turning, I have had reminders of how to carry out operations on different work holding devices such as a turn table. I have also learnt a great deal of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing; this was a great help when learning to programme and machine components. Over the past 7 months I have further developed personal skills such as communications with other technicians and how to present data in a professional manor.

I enjoy working with the team very much as they are a group of high spirited and well organised people, the company culture of passion to ensure the best engines are made for the formula 1 cars is inspiring and I try to encourage myself to adopt the same attitude. The technicians and machinist are keen to express their knowledge onto the next generation and are appreciative of our learning process. overall the programme is well structure and issues with regards to certification are often quickly discovered and resolved.

We as apprentices are often reminded that we are the future of the company and its continued success, the managers are always ensuring our course work is up to date and to a high standard. Team leaders are often praising apprentices are their input in aiding others, all higher management from team leader to director treat and appreciate apprentices the same as technicians and always shake our hands after a race win.

The programme is well structured, all legal training was done swiftly and all relevant training was completed within a few months. Mercedes team leaders or HR rep are always keen to keep in touch with our activities both in and outside the company, regular meeting are held.

We receive monthly support from SEMTA, their rep (Richard Barnes) is extremely well organised and is fantastic at helping us through our coursework, he is interested in our work and can often contribute advice and guidance.

We constantly receive help from our employer, team leaders are always asking us questions regarding us and our work; the manufacturing engineers also provide helpful advice and tips on our learning.

My salary meets my financial needs.

There are a number of opportunities outside of work, this position stands us in good stead for any voluntary motorsport activates. the company provides many opportunities to meet the Mercedes drivers and organised regular family days.

Yes

The apprenticeship meets more needs than the mass majority on offer, the learning opportunities and perks are greater here in my opinion than anywhere else.

Work hard in your qualifications and present yourself in a willing and positive manor, all working experience and voluntary work is a great way to show this.