Material Laboratories Apprentice Review

Performing various activities within the engineering laboratory. performing microscopic assessment of various parts for quality assurance, or evaluation purposes for manufacturing or research projects respectively. Aiding in monitoring of special processes within a manufacturing facility as well as business improvement activities associated with the efficiency of the business.

I have learned a wide variety of skills while working through the apprenticeship. firstly learning how to perform several manufacturing processes such as machining and TIG welding. Throughout my different placements I have learned a variety of skills associated with materials science such as microscopy, data analysis and problem solving.

I enjoy the placement activities throughout the business as they provide a good level of support for the apprentice to perform a wide variety of tasks to aid them in their development. however the management of the apprenticeship can be frustrating at times

overall the apprenticeship is fairly well organised with the appropriate placements and university modules being arranged on time. however there has been a variety of issues associated with the contract with derby collage and the availability of assessors for the level 4 NVQ.

There is a high level of support for apprentice placement managers and the rest of the team with a good level of support from the apprentice academy team.

The level of support from Derby collage is minimal and has not been able to provide good feedback on the work being performed by the apprentices.

I feel that the Degree provided through derby university provides a good level of academic knowledge for our day to day role however there is a high level of repetition throughout the years with a highly variable quality of eructation depending on the module leaders.

there is an apprentice and graduate association that plans formal social activities for but there is currently no events running due to covid-19

Yes

as i believe that the quality of the placements out way the issues associated with the education providers that I have experienced in my year which I know have been resolved for the younger years in the course.

Ensuring that the practice material is used for the online assessment. practicing the interview questions that are provided before the in person interview, with people with an area of expertise or recruitment experience.