Environmental Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

As an environmental engineer, I test our products and make sure that they can survive the environments they will be put in. We simulate these environments in a lab setting, after trialling them on the field to gather the relevant data for these tests. I use shaker systems and temperature chambers to achieve these conditions.

CAD skills for designing parts and fixtures, use of accelerometers and thermocouples, how to calibrate, machine skills such as lathes and mills, hand tool experience, excel skills, presentation skills. MBDA are amazing at offering courses and training sessions on skills useful for the job role.

I really enjoy the programme, the early careers team are lovely and helpful. The programme is designed well, with 1 day a week at university and the rest working. This gives a good balance and allows us to implement what we learn at university in the working world.

The programme is extremely well structured. Apprentices move around their area of the business (mechanical and environmental engineering for me) on 3 month rotations. This allows apprentices to see all areas of the business before deciding where to end the scheme on. There are also residential trips and countless training sessions within the scheme.

The support at MBDA is great, there is a dedicated HR team for the early careers, as well as groups ran by early careers people for the improvement of the scheme. You get support with your studies, and they offer study days before coursework deadlines and exams, as well as budget for university books.

University of Hertfordshire has lots of degree apprentices, and some lecturers are very knowledgeable in the adaptations necessary for the day release modules rather than full time students. The university could do better in teaching all lecturers with apprenticeships on the differences between full time students and apprentices.

My degree helps with the theory behind the tests I undertake at work, as well as the skills for the practical side of work. However I find the job helps me perform better in the degree, as the skills I have learnt from work help to fuel my performance in coursework and practical assignments, such as report writing and design for manufacture.

I run the MBDA netball team, both the sessions and the admin work. I also am the Outreach Lead, meaning I help to organise MBDA's attendance to schools and university careers fairs, as well as other resourcing activities. I also am involved with organising the early careers charity summer ball. There is lots to get involved with at MBDA

Yes

MBDA is a welcoming environment to all new starters, and there is a great early careers network to help settle you in. The apprenticeship scheme is incredible and I feel privileged to have had a chance to work here.

Be honest in your answers and research the company and its values before writing your application. Be professional and personable in your interviews and assessment centres.