Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Four days a week I am involved in a real-life engineering project working alongside experienced engineers and increasing my network day-by-day. I am given real responsibilities a big sense of belonging within the team. One day a week I get day release to go to university and attend lectures/practical sessions.

Yes I have learnt many new skills over the course of the apprenticeship, not only at university but mostly at work. Being given the chance to work alongside extremely experienced engineers gives a great opportunity to learn from them in a real-world scenario. I've also had the chance to put the skills I learn at university into action at work, which is very useful as it shows how to apply the knowledge once you have learnt it.

I very much enjoy the Engineering Degree Apprenticeship offered by GE Aviation. Being given the opportunity to be involved in so many things like STEM outreach, careers events, etc, alongside your day job is really enjoyable, and the people who work here are always incredibly friendly and willing to help.

I think the programme is structured very well. When you join the apprenticeship you are broken slowly into working life, as many people have come straight from college/sixth form and haven't had the opportunity to be in a full time job. The training you get is also very sufficient for you to be able to feel confident in completing tasks. Throughout the programme you are given responsibilities throughout to allow you to demonstrate your leadership behaviours.

I receive a very good amount of support from my employer, the engineering apprentice manager is incredibly supportive and friendly. Along with when you join, you are given an older year apprentice as a mentor which you will retain throughout your entire time on the programme. This gives you somebody you can talk to about anything thats worrying you whether that be university, your rotation work, or just there for a general chat if you need it.

The degree is Electronic and Computer Engineering which is done through UWE (The University of the West of England). For the first 3 years of the apprenticeship, you study at Gloucestershire College (Cheltenham Campus) and for the final 2 years of the apprenticeship you study at UWE in Bristol. Both establishments give a good amount of support and the lecturers are always contactable to answer any questions and give any guidance if needed.

I think it does help a lot, there have been many times where I have been able to apply what I have learnt at university in work. Its very helpful to be able to apply your knowledge at the same time as learning it, and I have found that it actually helps to expand your knowledge further as you can learn from engineers around you also.

Yes there are many different extra-curricular activities to get involved with. GE Aviation is very committed to STEM outreach and there are loads of opportunities to get involved with in and outside of work, whether that be the football team after work or attending a public event to spread the word about the apprenticeship and the company during the day.

Yes

I would recommend working for GE Aviation to a friend as it provides a really nice place to work surrounded by very friendly individuals, and is centered around your own continuous development. The apprenticeship is also a great route as it allows you to undertake 6 month rotations to really find the role that is suited for you.

I would advise anyone applying to GE Aviation to just be themselves, and don't try to pretend to be someone you're not. The standard application process is: Send in CV/Cover Letter -> Video Interview -> Assessment Centre. I would advise anyone thinking of joining GE to apply for work experience to see what the site is like, and to give you a good idea of what we do.