Naval Architect Higher Apprentice Review

As a naval architect/construction engineer, I will eventually be working in commissioning department, doing various engineering jobs. Currently we are in placements, completing various tasks with experienced workers, learning basics and also more advanced things. Alongside this we are attending college once a week, learning lots of different engineering applications, such as CAD or Fluid Mechanics.

Babcock have been great, with a well structured period on site so far. The time spent with each placement has been the right amount to get the most out of them. Having the first year solely college based was also useful as I would have felt unconfident going straight into the yard with no knowledge, and it gave us a chance to get to know people (other apprentices) which I think is very important.

I feel we have received a lot of support from Babcock. Regular reviews with our ADAs and Assessors, as well as general talks with our front line managers have been very important as it helps us feel listened to and it shows that if you have any problems you have many options to turn to.

Mostly, City College Plymouth have been very supportive for us in reaching our qualifications. We did face some issues with assignments last year with college lecturers not setting the correct questions so we had to keep changing our work. However, they did rectify these issues and once this was sorted we were able to complete the work and get the grades we wanted. The pastoral care has also been great and we felt very supported through this, as well as regular presentations to teach us about life outside of work and other topics.

Whilst it may not be currently useful due to our placements being tool based, in the future once higher apprentices are placed in their respective roles, it will become very useful. However some aspects of our learning, especially in engineering maths, science and materials has been useful in our current placements.

Yes

I think it's such a great experience in terms of what you learn and the work you do is really interesting. You have a chance to meet some really great people, I've been here for less than 2 years and i've made friends for life. The actual job itself is so much better than your standard office job, you can turn up to work each day and be doing something completely different from the next. As mentioned, the support you receive is also great.