Manufacturing Engineer Review
at AWE
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Aldermaston
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
4.2/5
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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
I am tasked with producing multiple components to a high standard on a weekly basis. This includes those completed using hand tools(hand fitting) such as files, saws and scrapers. Machining, using lathes and mills, and CNCs at extended level. This aims to build our skill sets in a practical application. The work is graded and marked to a specific tolerance and finish
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thourougly enjoy the work I do. College is challenging but really satisfying and enjoyable to learn new information. The practical work is detailed and well explained and is actually useful to what we will be doing on site. The skills have meaning and are those that can be used even if I choose to work elsewhere in the future
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Much of what I know, I knew through interests as I grew up, but having the those around me of 30+ years of experience really helps to take my skills that much further and allow me to become a more refined and technically accurate engineer. It also includes learning how to construct reports and deliver presentations.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
All our work is constructed in a way to treat everyone as equals no matter their skill set. Each day is a learning day and is well thought out to provide us with the maximum understanding we can gain whilst giving us indipendance to complete our projects in a way that suits us
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Lots of support is given to use whether it’s one on one with an instructor showing you how to do/use something, or just a chat with your line manager to discuss any issues you may have. The company also provides support for working on assignments and partial reimbursement for costs such as commuting to collage.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Our college is very helpful to ensure satisfaction working environments for any student. Support is provided for those who deal with difficulties such as dyslexia, and the lectures are very helpful and happy to give focused teaching due to the small size of our class environment. Nothing more than an email away
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It makes sure I fully understand the work I am undertaking and gives me the skills for me to be work effectively in my work environment. This includes presentation skills, report writing, analysis, as well as practical aspects including 3D modelling and high spec machine tool usage such as cnc mills
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
Not as of yet
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AWE to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It’s a great company to work for, being that it is focussed heavily on STEM, so perfect for anyone with extensive interests in that area. The high profile of AWE also means going onto other jobs in the future, employers are more likely to high someone who has had experience in a high profile and security environment
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AWE?
Be yourself, your skills are valuable no matter the interest.
