Test Engineer Review

My role as it varies on a day to day basis. Some days are spent working with the product in person and some days are spent behind the scenes. I carry out test work on the product to ensure they meet the required standards, this can be virtually or physcially. This work is done with the help and support of my team.

I am learning to develop my CAD and computer skills, this includes processing and presenting data. I have been able to progress my driving skills with the company as they offer driving courses to better my skills for driving in different conditions which is required for testing. I am supported by my team and this has helped me to devlop my communication and speaking skills.

I enjoy working with my team and feel I am well supported by each member. They are all willing and happy to help with growing my skills and love getting me involved. Everyone is keen to push me to my potential and I don't feel pressured into doing anything I'm not comfortable with.

In the first year of my apprenticeship I was attended college full time and during breaks I was at plant. This all worked well in terms of training, support and studying. In my second year I attend college one day a week. It is more challenging some weeks to complete college and work duties but with the support from my manager and team I am able to get things done in time. College feels less organised, but I feel this is due to Covid-19 and lack of staff at this time.

My manager is always happy and open to helping me and pushes my potential. I have been given a mentor within my team, who I work closely with which allows me to learn new skills and ask questions. Every member of my team is willing to help and support me in anyway. I have found them all to be very helpful.

In the first year, I felt the support was much better with more time allocated to one-to-one meetings. The second year has felt less supported and I have felt they have been less helpful and harder to get into contact with. However, when there are catch-ups they have been useful.

What I have learnt through college, practical and theoretically, have been useful to me in my role. Although I do not use the information all the time on a day to day basis in my role, it has been helpful to know the basics and understand the principles that I have been taught.

There are some company activities and events, and even event socials to attend occasionally. My team have sport teams or activites which happen weekly or monthly as well as between other apprentices. I also have social activites within my team and other teams for a general catch-up out of work.

Yes

There are many varied job roles and I believe there is something for everyone depending on your main interests. I thought I wouldn't be able to work on the products practically along with pursuing my interest in data processing and CAD, yet I do this weekly. I enjoy the environment in the workshops and in the office, people are more than willing to help.

I would be open minded with what you are applying for, as personally I had my heart set on a different department but now I am very happy I am in this department and have settled in well. Write down all the important details throughout the apprenticeship as they might come in handy.