Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at MBDA
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Bolton, Greater Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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
Apprentices complete 6 month placements in their home department (manufacturing engineering), learning about the build of different areas. Whilst also having the opportunity to experience other placements in different departments to get an understanding of the wider business and how that feeds back into manufacturing engineering to help drive innovation and problem solving.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I throughly enjoy my programme. I feel as though it allows me to learn and grow, whilst being able to take on a range of responsibilities and activities that aren’t always available in other companies. I think it was the right step for me and wouldn’t swap to anything else.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
As part of the scheme, IPC training is first undertaken to ensure practical skills are given. In addition, a range of online and in person learning courses are offered to improve working styles, support mental health and get a better understanding of topics that you may encounter in your day to day job.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
There is a very good structure to the work side of the apprenticeship. You have a range of points of contacts that provide a good structure and placements. Whilst also allowing the flexibility to adapt the plan for your own personal development and career growth. The uni side is slightly less organised as it is a new scheme but is developing year on year as they get more feedback.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is full support from my employer any issues surrounding work or uni, the relevant points of contact are quick and efficient in resolving any issues. They are also more than willing to aid you in more personal development opportunities to help boost your drive and passion within your career.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The university of Bolton works on a much larger scale to work and often try their best to support issues. As the company has a good relationship with uni, they are always very receptive to our feedback and implement changes as and where they can. If support is asked of them then they will give it.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It helps give a greater awareness of the problems that happen in industry especially between the design and manufacturing teams. It also helps to strengthen skills in presentations, reports and soft skills. Which are fundamental communication skills that help information to be spread to the relevant people to find a solution quicker.
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
MBDA is big on providing extra -curricular activities to help aid apprentices development. There is the opportunity to get involved in career fairs, mock interviews, site visits, work experience as well as a range of networking opportunities. MBDA are also supportive of local communities and provide opportunities to get involved in fundraising activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend MBDA to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great community to be a part of, everyone is so supportive and welcoming. Your opinion and knowledge is respected at whatever level you are. In addition the work is interesting and provides lot of insight and career development opportunities which are supported and celebrated by higher level members/managers.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to MBDA?
Be your most authentic self, showing that you are interested and engaged in the mission and vision of the company. Show that you are willing and able to put the work in to drive forward developing yourself and the bringing up those that you work with. Be enthusiastic and mirror the company values, in all that you do.
