Embedded Electronic Design Degree Apprentice Review
at AWE
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Berkshire
Review Submitted: November 2024
Overall Rating
3.3 /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
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.8/5
-
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
Began learning electronic principles, which has led onto the process PCB design. This has included the entire process from research, schematic entry PCB design, milling the board, populating the board with components and testing to ensure functionality.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The electronics and engineering work I enjoy a lot, moreover, the working relationships I have formed with my colleagues has been fundamental to my success so far. The intake I joined with, in addition with the intake that has joined in previous years, work well together as a team.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt many new skills since beginning such as the process of making a PCB described previously, soldering, 3D modelling, 3D printing.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
The structure has been awful thus far. My intake for the apprenticeship programme was recruited under the impression that our programme would be 4 years long. Within a month we were informed that the course was now intended to be 6 years long and that we would have to sign a payback agreement for the HNC phase.
Crucial steps in the programme have been delayed, causing delays for moving placements which hinders development throughout the programme. Communication at times has been poor and our intake feels like the failings of management are made to be our fault and no accountability is taken by the instructors for there mistakes.
Crucial steps in the programme have been delayed, causing delays for moving placements which hinders development throughout the programme. Communication at times has been poor and our intake feels like the failings of management are made to be our fault and no accountability is taken by the instructors for there mistakes.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The employer provides many good avenues of support, from pastoral care which has been amazing when needed to other work and personal related support systems.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
I feel our trainer in work does not possess the knowledge the adequately support us with the HNC course we are currently undertaking. The extent of the support for the qualification is that we are given time to work on the assignments if requested.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel the HNC so far is providing good knowledge which can be applied to my role.
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 plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved with if the apprentice is interested.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AWE to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It would heavily depend on the course they were interested in, and there would be many caveats I would mention.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AWE?
Be patient, there are incredible opportunities available at AWE, but there is a lot of inefficient processes.
