Material Fatigue Technician Review

When I started my degree apprenticeship I was a Machinist specializing in CNC cylindrical grinding producing parts within a tolerance of +/-0.004mm. I am now a Material Fatigue Technician which is looking at the components my company produces and running fatigue, tensile and compression tests to understand their capabilities in order to find their limitations.

With this apprenticeship I have been learning thermofluids, statics and dynamics, project management and design. All have been beneficial skills for my new job role which I am keen to develop more

The part of the project that I enjoyed the most is working on projects that I wouldn't usually have the access to. This only develops my skills as a person and I can put my skills that I have learnt at university to the test.

For the degree I have been doing, there has been some new modules which they have introduced for the first time. These modules haven't been planned well which has caused a knock on effect for our learning. Overall, parts of the program are very well structured and others are really lacking.

All the support I could want from my supplier I can get. I cannot thank my company highly enough for the support I have received from them. Both my apprenticeships have been very rocky but I have always been able to rely on my supplier for help and guidance.

I tend to rely on my employer for help regarding the training provider. The coach that I have for my EPA (End Point Assessment) is very helpful and is a credit to the company. As regards to lecturers, some are helpful and some are not.

Hopefully with my degree it will lead to better opportunities for me within the company.

I play 5-a-side football regularly with people at work. This again allows me to meet with other employees around the business who I might not possibly meet in my role at work.

Yes

The best employer in Huddersfield and possibly West Yorkshire. The support they have provided for me and other apprentices has been great! On from my apprenticeships the supervisors/managers are always pleasant and always happy to help with personal development.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is just be yourself. The opportunity you are after will set you up for life so try and do as much research about the company to prepare yourself for the interview.