Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

I have mixed emotions about the first year solely spent at MakeUK technical college in Birmingham. I feel it would have been beneficial to try integrate the college side and work place learning together better, instead of learning skills after skills at college and waiting sometimes more than a year to apply these newly learnt skills.
I feel the academic year could have been delivered better, the college seemed to of been lacking good managerial and organizational structure, this was clear to me as a student and was also expressed by many of the tutors, explaining that their was friction between tutors and management in the way that which they were treated and the way in which the college was operating.
The facilities, equipment and resources were generally good, one of their buildings being more up to do date as their 'flag ship' site with modern equipment and functioning IT etc. Whereas the other building was quite dated, with lots of out dated, poorly maintained tooling and machinery, and the majority of computers not working. I would have also appreciated text books and written reliable resources of information to learn from and refer to, instead of having to use Google to further research subjects that were being taught and to complete assignments, not knowing whether the information presented was reliable or not.
In hindsight, the college, like every other business across the globe, was thrown into a difficult, unprecedented challenge when faced with COVID-19. But I don't feel like this is a valid enough of an excuse for all the hurdles it failed at during my time with them.
On the other hand, the tutors were the saving grace of the college as each and every one of the tutors were clearly experienced and knowledgeable in their area of profession. Keen to educate the class on what they needed to know and also additional knowledge in their profession which they were clearly passionate about and had multiple years of industry experience in. They were all very friendly, patient and excellent educators.
I am really impressed by the way in which Knorr-Bremse is run, how the apprenticeship is being delivered, especially as part of the first year in the new format of the apprenticeship. I have felt supported throughout the apprenticeship by the apprentice leaders, pushing us, helping us in any way with the academic side of the apprenticeship, and eventually guiding us in the right direction towards a position upon completion of the apprenticeship. I have felt complete support and encouragement by all of management and every employee that I have worked with, keen to pass on their knowledge to myself. I feel that all my requests have been seen to and the business placement scheme has allowed myself to experience different positions and departments within the business, aiding me in the discovery of a permanent position upon completion of the apprenticeship.

Every skill that I have learnt is a new skill, new knowledge and experience for myself. I have learnt and applied the skills throughout the apprenticeship, both at college and on site.
I have developed existing practical, 'hands on', mechanical based ability, from a novice to a moderately abled engineering apprentice. This has been improved through practical based units in the first year at college such as bench, turning, milling, welding and electrical work. I was able to apply these newly founded skills at work in the second year, improving my ability to select and use tooling, follow engineering drawings, instructions and following industry approved methods to correctly assemble various products on the shop floor.

I attend badminton sessions most Tuesdays which are organized within the business. Courts are booked at the local sports centre. This allows me to socialize with colleagues outside the workplace in an open environment. It also allows me to meet employees that work in different departments within the business, which I would never have spoken to if not.

Take every opportunity you are given, don't say no to anything.
Take every piece of advice / information you are given, especially from the older, experienced engineers.
Make friends and create good working relationships with as many colleagues as possible.
Try and keep your foot in every door, keep your options open for every available role / department.
Every day is a school day. Remember that you are an apprentice and it is okay to make mistakes and to not know things, as long as you learn from it.