Advanced Manufacturing Apprentice Review

My placement takes place in the calibration area. This involves testing and verifying that test equipment is performing to an adequate standard. With many varieties of equipment on site, it is a very varied role. We test items such as power supplies, multimeters, resistance boxes and many other types of electrical equipment. The day typically involves preparing the work area, verifying and adjusting equipment, and preparing official certificates for the calibration records.

With such variety and some complexity, this role requires constant learning. I have learnt many techniques for testing equipment. You will need to utilise the knowledge learnt at college to take measurements and calculate results. Learning how to use new test equipment will be vital to your experience in this area. This will be items such as calibrators, meters, oscilloscopes and more!

I thoroughly enjoy the programme. The roles are engaging and challenging. You will have the opportunity to meet many people and get involved with great projects. Because of the variety of roles on site, everybody has a completely unique experience on this apprenticeship. The added benefit of flexitime helps to balance work with my personal life. Flexitime allows me to choose my start time at work, subject to the needs of the business.

The apprenticeship is reasonably well organised. I was given an area to work in at the start of the apprenticeship and have been able to maintain a position there since. My first two years on the scheme followed a pattern of two days college, followed by 3 days of work-based learning (5hrs on Friday)! At the college, we did experience some difficulties finding a suitable lecturer which made college work particularly challenging to complete. However, I have now completed my college-based learning and am looking to complete my NVQ through work-based examination

The employer provides many forms of support. We are allowed to occasionally set aside time for completing college work. The employer is willing to make accommodations to help further our learning, if required. There are other forms of support given such as occupational health, mental health first aiders and various training sessions.

The training provider will have regular catch-ups to ensure that we are being treated fairly at work and are getting the support we need. This provides us the opportunity to express any concerns we have or to opt for additional learning support. The lecturers were mostly knowledgeable and willing to help when I didn't understand a question or theory.

To succeed in an electronic technician role, I believe you need a good foundational knowledge of the expected behaviours, safety and electrical principles. This course did well to provide this information. Of course, with my role being a rather niche one, the pertinent skills do have to be learnt on-the-job. But that said, I do often find myself using my college-based learnings in my day-to-day role.

I have had the opportunity to experience various activities and events organised by the employer. There have been active teambuilding events and employee appreciation days which are great fun and good for networking. There have also been social, after-hours events organised by our own apprentices. We have even visited other sites to learn how other manufacturing companies operate!

Yes

The company culture is great and focused on safety over output. GE regular attempts to show appreciation for the workers through events, rewards and recognition. The work-life balance is good with flexitime and a shorter work day on Fridays! Pay is competitive and there is also a comprehensive benefits package with healthcare, dental, life assurance and other options.

I believe that the leadership team like to see people with passion and genuine enthusiasm for the work that we do. GE offer events such as volunteering days, career events and work experiences and need people that are gregarious, proud and keen to be involved. Learning and developing ourselves is also key to the role. Showing that we are energised by challenge and developing our skills will make us stand out from the crowd.