Engineering Apprentice Review
at MBDA
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Bolton, Greater Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
4/5
-
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
My role is engineering apprentice, where I go on placements within different teams and am rotated around the business so that I can experience all of the different departments. What this involved on a day-to-day basis is taking on different roles under supervision from the experts within that team and gaining as much experience as possible.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I would say that I enjoy my programme and I very much enjoy the study side of my programme - my university course. In terms of work on-site, it is quite a lot sometimes constantly switching between teams, but this also is a good thing as it keeps me on my toes and does not allow me to get comfortable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
The new skills that I have learnt include understanding how engineering teams work, and integrating myself within the teams and understanding the shop floor system. I have done placements in operations so I understand the viewpoint of the operator, but also I will be on placement in many other roles so I will be able to see their viewpoint. I have also developed my employability and communication skills throughout my apprenticeship.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is very well structured, as the placements allow for a variety of departments to be experienced, and for different skills to be gained. I get an overview of what different roles encompass and do, which betters my perspective of the company as a whole, and develops my career positively.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive lots of support from my employer for my wellbeing, which I really appreciate. It is a very good place to work, and I am never overburdened. My employer is very understanding of personal circumstances and tries to accomodate where possible, even offering support for various circumstances if needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
I receive adequate support from my training provider when it comes to my studies, as they ensure that all of my work is up to date. In terms of my assignments, my lecturers are very supportive and ensure that my work is sound. I think there is room for improvement in some areas, but I will not complain as it is a good uni overall.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification which I am gaining through my training provider helps me to perform better in my role as it gives me an understanding of the technicals which are going on - it builds the fundamentals of engineering, as well as giving me the chance to learn key engineering software.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are many opportunities to get involved in extra curricular activities at my work place. Examples include sports events, networking events as well as charity events. I really appreciate this and really think that this is positive for employees, as it brings a good work-life balance and brings a social aspect to working life.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend MBDA to a friend?
Yes
Why?
MBDA is genuinely a very good place to work. I am always given support by my employer and I am never overburdened or stressed. I have a very healthy work-life balance and I value this a lot. My employer encourages my career development and provides training which is important to me, and will help me progress in my career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to MBDA?
My tips would be to ensure that whichever role you are applying to, you must be passionate as this passion is what MBDA is looking for. MBDA has 5 core values, which are core to the business and also values which they are looking for in employees, so applicants should try to give examples where they have showcased these qualities.
