Product engineer Apprentice Review

My role involves designing functional, cost-effective commercial products and their production processes, working closely with product development teams to change ideas into marketable items based on industry research. Daily, I attend tier meetings to understand quality issues and production issues around products in my portfolio so I can work towards optimization.

I have developed many personal skills such as communication and time management, as well as professional skills such as how to present to the wider team and technical capabilities as I am now able to support operations through applying my technical understanding of the process and parameters affecting performance of products.

I enjoy being part of a global team as it expands my understanding on how different manufacturing sites make products in different ways, and some of that understanding can then be applied to the manufacturing site I work at. I like being challenged both at work and at the University.

The program is structured well and I have found the program handbooks useful as it provides all information from starting the course through to the end point assessment so all information needed is available. I feel I would benefit if there was more in person teaching from the training provider.

My employer provides me with all of the support I need to complete the apprenticeship. I have regular meetings with my line manager to review progress and ensure everything is going as smooth as possible. I have multiple contacts so if I have any issues, I know who I can contact.

My training provider has supplied learning materials in the form of pre-recorded videos which I can go through at my own pace and re-watch if I do not understand some of the content. I feel I would benefit more if there were more lecture engagement sessions as I benefit from in-person teaching.

The professional and business skills aspect of my course has benefitted me within the workplace as I now better understand areas such Lean and project management. Core modules are not so beneficial within my current area of work however if I were to go down the development career path, I can see where I would apply my understanding.

I am unaware of any official extra curricular activities to regularly get involved in at work. I would consider getting involved in social activities or a professional networking event to expand on my professional development. At the University, there are social events which I have been involved with such as sports societies.

Yes

I am able to get the support which I need from Inspire ATA as there are various account managers and people who I can get in touch with if I have any concerns. I have had few issues at Inspire ATA however when I have, they have been resolved quickly.

Learn how to manage your time as studying alongside a full time job can be difficult however with good time management it is achievable. I would advise that others applying to Inspire ATA keep in touch with their manager as this focus is often lost when not working on the same site.