Technical apprentice Review

I shadow an experience member of staff until competent in the specific task. I am then trusted to carry out this task independently. I find myself learning new skills and broadening my engineering knowledge on a daily basis.

Since starting with Selex ES, I have learnt basically all I know with regards to this industry, leaving me confident in completing a number of tasks.

I thoroughly enjoy my work day-to-day and the challenges it brings, although college organisation can leave the tasks being avoidably more difficult than needed.

By my department, I feel very valued. From day 1 I have been involved in important, responsible tasks and been trusted to carry out important pieces of business with both internal and external customers. By the company as a whole, I feel slightly less valued, but not any less than expected for a company of this size.

The in-house apprenticeship programme is very well structured, consisting of a well thought-out placement plan providing you with enough opportunities to comfortably meet your SVQ requirements.

Selex as a training provider are very supportive. They encourage you to be involved in any activities possible, offering support throughout. Edinburgh college as a training provider can be very unorganised at times, although when things are going smoothly there are usually no issues. Trying to communicate these problems back to your employer can be difficult as to fully understand the situation you have to witness the issues first-hand.

If there are any problems with anything throughout the apprenticeship you are encouraged to seek assistance whenever possible so you can work together to come to a reasonable solution. For this reason I'd say Selex as an employer are sufficiently supportive.

I feel the salary is of a good standard compared to other apprenticeships and also the annual wage rise gives you added motivation to achieve your goals.

There are constant opportunities to get involved in out-of-work activities, including charity events, sporting events, apprentice nights out etc.

Yes

Very enjoyable and interesting work with a good group of supportive employees. This, combined with recognised qualifications and also many future opportunities provides you with a fantastic beginning to a career in engineering.

Be enthusiastic and work hard to get on with people. You're not 'given' a job at the end automatically. You should go through your work placements making ties with people and departments and building a good reputation that will interest departments once your apprenticeship is finished.