Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis, my job role changes every 6 weeks. The jobs that I pick up can differ from identifying quality issues with assembly lines to designing and fabricating solutions to issues that are identified by line workers. I am currently identifying where work processes can be improved to be more efficient and more evenly spread across stages through different processes.

I have been taught how to use three different kinds of CAD software, and have been able to develop these skills and increase my productivity and speed on creating CAD designs. I have also developed good communication skills, which are very important when working with the assembly line, and ensuring that any changes that are made, the workers are happy with, and that they are listened to when they have complaints.

I have really enjoyed the programme, i think it is well thought and planned out, in order to give us the best ability to understand the area in which we are working, as well as being able to create a good wide network of people throughout my career with Cummins. The ability to change job role every 6 weeks keeps the job interesting and exciting.

The structure is quite well organized, as it changes slightly every year. There is a mentor scheme that we use which allows us to have a direct contact, below our manager that we can speak to about daily issues, and only raise larger issues to our manager in order to keep them more free than if everyone was feeding directly into them.

The support that i receive from my employer is quite good, if i have any issues or concerns, there is always someone I can speak to about them. This includes medical support due to pain and discomfort due to walking, or mental health issues. The Occupational health in Cummins is very friendly and very helpful

The training provider can be good at times, and some of the lecturers are very helpful and will go out of their way to help you, as long as you put the work in to prove that you want a good grade. If you do not show that you want a good grade, you will not get as much help.

I feel like my project and management units are very helpful in assisting me to perform better in my role, as it shows be different methods that i can use within my work in order to ensure that i am managing my project in the best way possible, and allows me to make improvements as i learn.

There are many sports teams within work, for example the Football teams that play regularly every week which can be joined by anyone. There is also the sports and social club, which regularly ran trips for members and non members, the most recent being a trip to london for the day.

Yes

I believe that this is a great company to start at as an apprentice, as you learn so much and gain so many useful skills for the future, as well as gaining qualifications and experience. The work that is carried out here is so different to anything I've been exposed to before, and it is a very good environment for learning in.

Ensure that your applications stands out, and is well written. Have some experience in something car or manufacturing related, as it is always a point of interest. This can include working on cars, or enjoying go kart racing. Most importantly, be yourself and do not stretch the truth, as they will come clean.