Apprentice Machinist Review

I am doing a 3 year apprenticeship in machining at Mercedes AMG HPP whilst studying a HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Tresham College Corby once a week. I have completed a year and a half of my apprenticeship, and am currently in Quality Inspection department learning how to trace profiles and provide detailed visuals using the microscope. Due to the vast amount of parts I encounter, I interact with mostly all of the machinists and team leaders within the manufacturing hall. Sometimes the CMM machines need calibrating and software updates installing, therefore the external contractors visit the company to carry out these duties. Within my HNC qualification I am carrying out a design project, under the criteria set by my lecturer I have decided to reengineer a shoe rack.

There are a range of skills I have developed and learnt throughout my apprenticeship so far. I was assigned to the Tool Shop at the start of my apprenticeship, where I developed my skills on manual turning and milling, these skills were initially learnt at college when doing my BTEC Level 3 course. The skills I had learnt whilst in the Tool Shop, was improving the variety of clamping techniques. Also increasing the surface finish of parts by calculating the correct speeds and feeds, and learning how to hit such small tolerances stated on the orthographic drawings. These were just some of the skills I learnt whilst in the Tool Shop. After three months I then progressed into the Development Shop. Where I was taught how to write CNC programs long hand, and set work holding devices and tools up in a safe manor. The stint within the Development Shop lasted for a year, I feel this is where I learnt the most about achieving accuracy and improving quality on parts. From the Development Shop I went into Manufacturing Engineering for two months, I was delegated a variety of work from modelling fixtures to investigating efficiency of a certain machining cell. I was taught how to construct three dimensional models using the Catia Software and also creating specific formulas on excel to help analyse and present data. From Manufacturing Engineering I went into Inspection where I am currently situated. I have carried out an external course that lasted for three days at Coventry University, this was a NPL (National Physical Laboratory) training course that was very intuitive and improved my interpretation of orthographic drawings.

The machinist program that I am carrying out has so far been very enjoyable. I have become increasingly interested in the daily tasks set by the experienced engineers at Mercedes AMG HPP. I am determined to improve my competence within the manufacturing of engine parts and understand the processes the parts need to go through. Having an insight, through the different departments I entail has significantly and rapidly improved my knowledge as a machinist. The training program Mercedes has so far provided is nothing on my initial expectations, the hands-on tasks and training supplied by the employees is the best way to rapidly improve knowledge, by making mistakes and then knowing how to overcome them.

My expectations before arriving at Mercedes AMG HPP, were that being an apprentice you wouldn't be valued by other work colleagues. However my thoughts have been drastically swayed, from day one I have felt a key member of Mercedes AMG HPP. Although I do find from visiting the different departments so far I get a sense of fluctuating importance a role may serve.

The program that has been set is well organised by Stuart, the collaboration of departments the apprentices visit to help improve their specific apprenticeship is extremely relevant to their role they have chosen. The apprenticeship scheme will always be an on-going task to try and perfect the training program.

For the first year of the apprenticeship, the support provided by our training provider Semta wasn't very impressive. I found the tutor didn't have a set strategy to aid the apprentices through there 3 years. I also found that there wasn't much clarity given on the work needed to be done to complete the units. However after a year a new tutor was assigned from Semta, I am now receiving the right support and know the exact work I need to complete and to the correct standard for me to hopefully pass my NVQ qualification.

Stuart, who is in charge of the apprenticeship program has provided numerous systems to help aid the apprentices throughout there 3 years. For example if an apprentice feels they don't understand a specific subject whilst doing there HNC qualification. They can seek advice from a graduate or interne within the business, by emailing Stuart, a meeting will then be arranged with said person to help assist the apprentice.

The criteria of traveling costs, daily costs, living costs and social costs is covered by the salary I receive. Therefore I am extremely satisfied with the salary I earn for my age. In comparison with other companies Mercedes AMG HPP offer one of the highest pay packages.

The company organises a summer event for the staff and their families, this involves a number of rides and food stalls. To celebrate Christmas, they also organise a spectacular party for all of Brixsworth and Brackley, to come together to talk about the race season. When I am not at work, I mainly spend my time doing HNC work or going to the gym. However I am currently trying to plan a four day course in London during the summer to develop my skills and interest in mixing music tracks.

Yes

I have so far found the apprenticeship a spectacular insight into the Formula 1 industry, with finding issues and engineering solutions to overcome them as rapidly as possible. I believe Mercedes AMG HPP is the pinnacle of the mechanical engineering profession. There isn't a day when I don't learn at least one, theory, processes, technique, software instruction or principle etc. If you are enthusiastic about engineering, then this will develop interest. Mercedes AMG HPP will help flourish this attribute, with engineers constantly solving issues and analysing data.

Make sure you have a good application that shows you have a high interest in engineering, and that you are willing to apply yourself to any task. It's good to have some nerves within the interview processes, however don't let me overwhelm yourself and the speech you have prepared before entering the interview. Also if you have any work experience days/assessment days, use these days to your full advantage by showing you are extremely keen and wanting to understand the full task you are undertaking.