Footwear Production Apprentice Review

Item: Footwear Production Apprentice at Dr. Martens
Rating: 4.7
Author: Anonymous

at Dr. Martens

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Wollaston, Northamptonshire

Review Submitted: May 2022

Overall Rating

4.7 /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!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

5/5

Working across all 4 factory departments you support the factory with bulk production. Spending time in each department allows you to refine your skills in each area. No week will be the same one day you are in the clicking room cutting the leather and the next you could be in lasting assisting in assembly.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I really enjoyed it - especially spending time with the experienced factory operatives who shared their skills and knowledge with me. I do think since graduating from the apprenticeship it has been nice to see it evolve and I believe the course Dr Martens are offering now is better than ever.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I come from a fashion background so all my knowledge was clothing based. Doing the apprenticeship allowed me to develop new skills and knowledge in footwear construction and manufacturing. The apprenticeship has been invaluable to me as it has given me experience and knowledge which has allowed me to progress my career at Dr Martens.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

As I said in my previous answer the apprenticeship programme now has evolved a lot since I was an apprentice 9 years ago. The programme on offer today looks brilliant and looks very well organised and structured. I would definitely recommend it to some one considering a career in footwear manufacturing and construction.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

Dr Martens are a very supportive employer. There is a lot of care and attention that goes into running the programme and the staff who involved are brilliant. The operatives on the factory floor are great and all willing to share their knowledge and experience to assist in your education.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

My experience is probably not a true reflection of what is on offer today. There was limited support when the apprenticeship started but now the apprentices regularly spend time in their college. As previously started the apprenticeship was still in its very early days when I did it and it had continued to get better as the years go on.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

Without my apprenticeship I wouldn't be in the role I am in now. Gaining a qualification in footwear construction and manufacturing has given me skills and knowledge which have been crucial to my career at Dr Martens. I would definitely recommend following this path to someone considering a career in footwear.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

3/5

This is again an area I cant really speak about now as my experience was a long time ago now. I think covid has definitely had an impact on social events organised by the team. You can take time away from the factory to do volunteering which is something Dr Martens are very supportive of. Pre covid there were regular social events which would be something everyone would look forward to.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Dr. Martens to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Dr Martens are a supportive employer who offer a really good programme for young people looking to start their careers. There are great perks to the job including a very generous staff discount to name but a few things. Dr Martens celebrate the individual and the team and truly allow all their staff to be themselves.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Dr. Martens?

Always be yourself - it is something that Dr Martens celebrates. Always ask questions - the team are always there to listen and support you throughout the application process and beyond. If you are passionate about the product and enjoy working with your hands this could be a great opportunity for you.

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