APPRENTICE SUPPORT ENGINEER Review

I am required to complete reviews of the project plan for the new boat to enter the Dockyard. This involves interrogating the customer (MOD) requirements and inputting this information into our own system for the production engineers to work from. All technical references and labour hours must be associated to each of the tasks.

The apprenticeship has been great for giving us a view of the company as a whole, spending time working within different business sectors. I have spent time working in with warships, submarines and the factory and it has been interesting learning their similarities and differences. I have now ended up in my permanent position where i will stay until i finish my apprenticeship.

I had approximately 3 review meetings with my apprenticeship development manager each year to discuss my progress and they were contactable for support if required regarding placement or NVQ but these roles have now been removed and I am yet to see them replaced with anything similar. For daily support my placement managers are very helpful regarding the work i am completing and have also offered support regarding my NVQ.

Due to the removal of the ADM's, our new college assessor is now based offsite and is therefore contactable by email or phone call. We have received 2 on site sessions where we have discussed our EPA which has been helpful and plan to have another session in the next few weeks to discuss interview techniques.

In my first year, using hand skills and machinery such as lathes and milling machines was new to me and this helped to gain an understanding/appreciation for these skills, however it was not something I had to do as part of my qualification or something I'd be doing in my actual job. Almost all other learning has not improved the way that I work and I have therefore gained my knowledge whilst working onsite with my team carrying out work activities.

Yes

The company is one of the biggest employers in Plymouth and is able to offer and safe job that could be life with the opportunities to move around within the company and gain a vast array of experience. Babcock also provide great pay and progression opportunities. I have found the apprenticeship a great way to get my foot in the door, gaining a good understanding of the business and what they have to offer.