Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

My role is hardware verification, this involves managing our systems test bench and performing tests to verify the product that has been developed and produced. This gives me the opportunity to work hands on the unit or at my desk doing redesign work. I also have time to work on my professional development and work towards my professional registration.

I have learned many skills, there is an emphasis on the apprenticeship to develop both soft and technical skills. We also regularly engage with continuous development and are constantly reflecting on our experiences and using them to develop and grow into more rounded engineers so we can continue to produce a great quality of work.

I enjoy my programme alot. We get to experience a wide variety of different things and are pushed to do things outside our comfort zones. I have found the challenge very exciting and continue to work hard to achieve good results. The people at GE are very friendly there is a great atmosphere of helping one another out and pulling together as a team.

The programme is very well organized and structured. There are clear tollgates that are set at the start of each year that outline what needs to be achieved over the next year to pass the year. There is a great mentoring structure within the apprenticeship which helps build the relationship between older and younger apprentices and creat that great support network we all need.

I receive loads of support, there is lots of training available if I need it and there are always people I can go too if I need help with a problem. We have a mentor system who help us with the different aspects of the apprenticeship and makes sure everything is running well.

We get given a day off each week to go to Uni as well as days off for our exams and a study day before each exam. We have a whole network of older apprentices whom are all happy to come and help out when help is needed with University work.

Working at the same time as doing my degree has really shown how useful the content is as I have been able to apply it to my work. Often when working with older apprentices there have been gaps in my knowledge and they have been able to identify when in the course that gap will be covered.

There are often apprentice nights out that are all organized internally by apprentices for apprentices although often the post grads and interns come along too. There are various sporting groups that meet outside of work but I do not personally get involved with them. We also always do a Christmas party often 2 as an apprentice as you get to go to your teams one and the apprentice one.

Yes

GE is an incredibly friendly and supportive company. There are lots of challenges that come from working in a larger company but for me they are outweighed by the advantages of having a clear process path that ensures quality. I really have enjoyed my time here and have found it very easy to get to know people and build positive working relationships.

Be passionate about the job, really show that this is the job you want to work in and the industry you are most passionate about. Honesty is also appreciated. Ask lots of questions as the interview process is as much about GE finding out if you are a good fit for them as it is about you finding out if GE is a good fit for you.