Apprentice Technician Review
at Cummins
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Daventry
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
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
Working as a first year apprentice I am currently working full time at college, split between 3 colleges. Then going back into plant during the half terms and holidays.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I do enjoy the program currently at college, learning new skills and working with other likeminded individuals, it offers a lot to people that have an interest in engineering but also to people with less experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have been able to develop new skills as a lot of time is spent in the workshop and classroom. In the workshop I have learnt how to use a lathe, milling machine, hand tools, CNC and other electric power tools. I have also learnt Engineering theory in the classroom.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The apprenticeship is structured and lead very well, this seems to be subjective to who is in charge as there is a different apprentice lead every year ie. a previous apprentice. But the communication is good and as your mentor was an apprentice, they know how to system works.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is a large amount of support from the company, you are an investment to them and they want you succeed. Having a mentor is useful as you can have somebody to talk to without having to be completely professional. But I wouldn't be afraid to ask for help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The college is ran relatively well but the structure is messy and the communication is poor. The odd lecturer can be more difficult than others but the majority of them are useful and know their stuff.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The whole point of college is to get a base knowledge of Engineering from a theory to a practical side, it helps with understanding what happens at main plant where the engines are made. When you are in placements and working on projects it helps with that as well.
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
There are a few teams I believe. I know there is a football team but there may be more as well. Apprentices can have the opportunity to go to NEC events and meet with potential suppliers, then they would feedback what they saw in meeting with their department.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cummins to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is good working for a large company as you have the job security and are able to rise through the ranks if you are willing to learn and take on the responsibilities. The pay is good with a bonus every year.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cummins?
I have met people with lots and little experience in engineering, as long as you show an interest and have a basic understanding you stand a good chance. It helps if you actually have an interest outside of school in engineering but don't bother if you think it will be easy money.
