Engineering Technician - Tech Support Review
at Howdens
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering, Manufacturing
Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
I run the various machines on the production line, part of this job involves problem solving issues that occur and fixing them to keep the line running. I also use monitoring equipment and may even learn to use FLT's and Shunter Lorries. Progressing within the company I can see my self being a manager one day or even higher up the pay grade. I try not to be too ambitious but I have learnt that if I put my mind to
something I more often than not achieve it.
something I more often than not achieve it.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I love my apprenticeship and the company I am working for. I have enjoyed my time at college/training centre where I learnt valuable skills of the trade and also enjoyed the switch over to working three days a week with day release to college. I don't enjoy the fuel bill for the car (especially with current political situations globally affecting the prices), but the love of the apprenticeship and learning these valuable skills keeps me going.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed the skills and knowledge of the engineering and manufacturing sector. These skills are based on some knowledge from school, from my dad and previous jobs. The in-depth knowledge has come from the apprenticeship and the people I have met along the way. I did not know anything about the the sector prior to starting the apprenticeship, but I did have an understanding of things like locking devices (though I did not know them as this). So it has been an assortment of knowledge and skills gained.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It is well structured, and I feel I am getting the most out of the apprenticeship. In previous years apprentices (including me) went to another training provider. Being in a position to compare the two, the one HETA provide is significantly better, hence my love of the apprenticeship. Howdens are always looking to take a more involved role in the apprentices well being and abilities. Recently we have had a manager take an over view of our apprenticeships and provide guidance in conjunction with HETA, about where we should be and should go as apprentices.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Lots, in short. Whatever I need to do they will allow me to do. As previously mentioned we have a team of people working hard for us, to help us achieve what we need to achieve. They support us but it still comes down to us as apprentices to get the job done and show what we have learnt. My most common support and most often used is taking time in works time to complete assignment work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Enough, in short. They are all very helpful at HETA, they provide the support I ask for and offer help if and when needed. I have a learning difficulty Dyslexia as diagnosed from my teenage years, but I had an adult assessment in 2023/24 (I also possibly have ADHD, but not diagnosed). The team do their best, which makes me do my best for them.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The support I receive. The learning lines up with tasks that need to be achieved in my day to day working. For example, Business Improvement Organisational Efficiency is one of my units. It highlights how improvements are and then can be made within a business. These improvements can be small or large, but they must be continual. This might include things like the application and adhering to processes like Kanban and Kaizen.
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
Every year each team is granted some money by the company to go and spend some time together out of work. This might be off-roading, a meal out, an afternoon of golf or other organised event. The money covers all if not only part of the activity, the rest paid by the colleagues. The examples i gave are suggestions made by various members of the workforce that I have interacted with in my time on site.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Howdens to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its a great company to work for. I have recommended 10 people so far, with 3 returning unsuccessful applications. My brother may be looking for a job soon, I have recommended he look at Howdens.
As to why, everyone i have met on site is friendly, and supportive. They make top quality kitchens and are a growing business even in this economy. They look after their colleagues and believe in a system of bettering individuals in their future aspirations.
As to why, everyone i have met on site is friendly, and supportive. They make top quality kitchens and are a growing business even in this economy. They look after their colleagues and believe in a system of bettering individuals in their future aspirations.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Howdens?
Make sure that you check all areas/jobs. Find the right fit for you within the company and don't be afraid to ask. At the interview be confident and show a little ambition. if successful, as an apprentice and in life save your money up where you can, I commute over 20 miles in each direction from home. Having some money saved early on, is the difference between having fuel for my car or not (in my first year, at my age). When at college, work hard and listen to your tutors. Don't try to beat the system, you'll not get anywhere. try your best and plan your future prospects (Operator, Mechanical Fitter, Electrician, Team Leader, Manager etc), its never bad to be ambitious. Just be sensible and plan for things to take time, success is not an overnight thing, certainly not always, and to get the best you have to be the best, so always try and it'll pay off in the end.
