Apprentice Control and Instrumentation Engineer Review
at AWE
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Aldermaston
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role involves working in a variety of placements in order to develop my understanding of the business and its needs. By doing this I am becoming a more well-rounded apprentice with an appreciation for the work conducted and the work expected of me. My eventual role will likely be based in project management.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy working at AWE very much. The people that work here are for the most part happy to help and are engaging and very knowledgeable. I also enjoy the variety of work that I experience and the flexibility and encouragement from the business in helping apprentices grow throughout their apprenticeships.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, I have learned a variety of skills during my brief time at AWE. During the time spent at the Skills Academy we learned basic electrical and electronic skills; At college, we were educated in the theory behind the work we do; and on site I have learned leadership, the importance of communication, and various intricate business practices over a wide range of disciplines.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Unfortunate circumstances over the passed year have made it difficult to say. With COVID restrictions in place, moving around the business is increasingly difficult and gaining exposure to all types of work as an apprentice is restrictive. Trying to develop within these difficult circumstances has been difficult but I think that many people have adapted to working from home successfully.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I am encouraged to pursue information and to better myself in all aspects by my employer. Any issues that I have encountered I have been helped with within reason. I would say then that I have received as much support as I have needed and am completing my apprenticeship successfully. Whether there is additional support that could be offered, I'm not sure.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I receive adequate support to accomplish the minimum of what is required of me. The tutelage of the course I am on could do with restructuring and the assessment of the training providers used could be more thorough to ensure that all apprentices are receiving the support that they need.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
As I am not certain what my eventual role will entail, it is difficult to say. I would say that the exposure that I have fortunately received of the business is far more beneficial than the work that has been put towards my qualification. I think that experience is more useful than, and certainly as necessary as, theory.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Again, due to the current COVID situation, it is difficult to answer. Typically, there are a number of local sports teams which play frequently as well as a gym at the local recreational centre, and team challenge sports events run through work on a regular basis. Recently, these have not been possible.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AWE to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend AWE because of the interesting work that takes place, the competitive pay, the value of the experience, and the relative ease of getting in. It is an industry unlike any other to get involved with, and with it comes a lot of open doors professionally as well as a lot of learning opportunities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AWE?
I would advise networking as much as possible. Ensuring that you have a wide reach of connectivity throughout the business will not only aid your growth of knowledge and expertise, but also increase your exposure to opportunities that many others don't get to experience. This is invaluable and will pay dividends in the future of your work.
