Development Engineer Apprentice Review
at WAAM3D Limited
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Milton Keynes
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
Since I joined WAAM3D I have mainly been getting to know the 3d software they use called SolidWorks as i do a lot of mechanical drawings, also have made parts on the software. Also sometimes get involved with projects with contacting other companies and doing a bit of research about products we are interested in.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am enjoying my program very much so far as it is giving me a lot of new opportunities and experiences I have never experienced before, there is always something to do whether it is work or college work which is good as I am not sitting around bored doing nothing. Everyone at WAAM3D also makes the experience very enjoyable as they are all very kind and were very welcoming to me when I first started.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt many new skills since starting here for example I had little to no knowledge on mechanical drawings before i was at WAAM3D, now I have a lot of confidence when asked to make a mechanical drawing, this goes for SolidWorks as a whole as I have improved so much since the beginning. Developing skills from college also with doing math, mechatronics, product of manufacturing and engineering projects.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure of WAAM3D is definitely good as everyone knows what they're meant to be doing as everyone is in 'teams' such as I am in development team then there is the AM team (additive manufacturing), production team, software team, HR, finance and sales, so it is very well structured in that regard. Milton Keynes college could improve on organisation as it can be quite confusing sometimes with lack of communication.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support, my supervisor is very helpful, whenever I get confused or have any questions he always helps me out and always makes sure I understand what I have to do. WAAM3D also set up any training i need for example I have been trained on their machines, gas safety training, SolidWorks and PLC programming which I will be starting properly soon.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Milton Keynes College provide a decent amount of support however it is hard sometimes as they are very short staffed so sometimes some lessons get cancelled, it can be hard to communicate with some of them outside of college as well. Some teachers provide good material and others could be better.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel it does help a lot as it keeps my brain fresh on the topics like math and gives me a better understanding of how projects are run with out engineering project lesson. Our product of manufacturig lesson is helping me get a good understanding of the different IOS' as many companies use most of them. Lastly mechatronics as well as I feel these are all very helpful and useful and do definetly help me perform better in my job.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There is not many extra-curricular activities as there is the occasional day we go out somewhere after work for example the Christmas du is always an option however so far there hasn't been many opportunities to do extra-curricular activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend WAAM3D Limited to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a very good company to get in to as they are all friendly and won't make you feel neglected for being an apprentice, they try to get you involved just as much as anyone else. They give many chances to improve yourself with different types of training and tasks to do, they also are very helpful, so if you have any questions they will gladly answer and help you out, meaning there is no need to be scared to ask anything on your mind about the company or work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to WAAM3D Limited?
Definitely apply, be confident in interviews if given the chance and believe you are good enough for the job.
