Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

by GE Aerospace

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.3/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Higher Engineering Apprentice (Level 6) - Taken from A-Levels to a Full Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (BEng Hons) over 5 years of part time study whilst receiving on the job training and working on real life engineering projects. Responsibilities vary in level, increasing along with your development to the point that you are treated like every other engineer by around the 3rd or 4th year. Before year 4 you rotate around software, systems and hardware and then from year 4 you can specialise in whichever one suits you best.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have achieved the following on my apprenticeship: Electronic Engineering BEng Hons NVQ4 in Engineering Leadership Aerospace Computer Systems FdSc (Foundation Degree) Green Belt Six Sigma Qualified NVQ2 in Performing Engineering Operations Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Various other skills

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The programme was hard work and very intense, if you like a challenge and seeing the fruits of you labour like I do then this is for you.

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by GE Aerospace?

I feel like I am put on a pedestal and held up as an example of what GE want in their engineers.

9/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well structured, some of the day to day organisation could be a little better with such a busy programme and the amount of apprentices on the scheme. The management is a bit over worked.

6/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

The university is good but they will never be able to compete with the level of support provided by the employer since they have no vested interest in my performance past the end of the programme the way that my employer does.

6/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

As much as I could possibly ask for. Mentoring, yearly reviews and informal catch ups along with many opportunities for me to provide feedback which is acted upon by the programme management.

9/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

No complaints

9/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

More than any one person could take advantage of. Social events, volunteering and personal and professional development opportunities.

10/10

9. Would you recommend GE Aerospace to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

My life has been completely transformed for the better by this scheme.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GE Aerospace?

Don't do it for the money, do it because you want to invest your time and effort in yourself: if you're successful and you commit yourself to the programme 100%, you won't recognise yourself in 5 years time.