Mechanical design apprentice Review
at Cavendish Nuclear
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Mechanical Engineering
Leicester
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
As a mechanical design apprentice, I create 3D models and drawings of components and assemblies. As an apprentice, we go through placements in different departments across the company every 6 months.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme as I have been provided with numerous opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. Furthermore, being able to rotate between different departments has been especially enjoyable and informative as it has allowed me to see in greater detail how different parts of the company and wider industry function.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
One of the biggest skills I feel I have developed is my ability to use CAD software. This was a skill I had first started developing at sixth form, but the apprenticeship has allowed me to begin using it at a level acceptable for use within industry. Another skill I feel I have developed is my ability to read and understand technical drawings.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I feel that the apprenticeship is really well structured at work with there being development programmes, placement rotations and plenty of support from both the early careers team and the departments in which I find myself working.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have found that my employer has provided a lot of support. This support has come from placement line managers providing support and advice when I have struggled with a work task. I have also found support from the early careers team when dealing with issues related to college and other such general issues.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have found that support from my training provider has improved over time. I say this as at the start of the apprenticeship I encountered some issues, and it took the college a bit of time to rectify the issue. However, as time has progressed I have found them to be incredibly helpful in sorting out issues with both coursework and apprenticeship issues. Furthermore, I have found that management at the college are always willing to discuss any issues I may be having which is incredibly reassuring.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel like my qualification provides me with knowledge that has already proven critical in my job role. I have also found that the information taught as part of the qualification is useful to have in a number of situations. The qualification also puts me in good stead for career progression.
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
At work, we are required to partake in STEM events. These events involve volunteering for different events relating to STEM which allows us to inform and interact with different groups. Furthermore, work as allowed us to visit a Nuclear power station and has put apprentices on courses for personal and professional development
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cavendish Nuclear to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Cavendish Nuclear to a friend as I have enjoyed my time as an apprentice thus far and have been given opportunities to do things I wouldn't have done otherwise. I have found it is is always a pleasant working environment and everyone I have met so far in this role has been an absolute pleasure to interact with.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cavendish Nuclear?
I think the biggest piece of advice I could give is to expect an abundance of opportunities and to try and seize every single one of them.
