Design Engineer Degree Apprentice Review

My day‑to‑day responsibilities centre around creating mechanical designs for both products and production tooling. This involves producing detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and bills of materials (BoMs), using CAD and data management systems to develop and maintain accurate design documentation.
Design work typically begins with understanding and defining the problem or specification - sometimes provided externally, but often requiring me to independently scope and clarify the full task. I then generate design solutions and take them through cross‑functional reviews, including structured design review sessions that help secure stakeholder feedback and approval. Once agreed, designs are formally drafted, checked, and released in line with company standards and processes.
Alongside managing my own design projects, I am also part of the design quality‑checking team. In this capacity, I review the work of other engineers - including senior colleagues - to ensure compliance with our engineering and documentation standards. I also contribute to ongoing discussions about how we can improve our design and review processes.

Before I began my degree apprenticeship, I considered a number of different options. A key consideration for me was the way the degree/working life was structured as I knew this would affect my work/life experience.
Looking back now at the end of my apprenticeship, I am glad that I chose the degree apprenticeship with Siemens Healthineers. I found that a 1/4 days degree/working split was a manageable and productive working structure.
Since I lived in Oxford and studied in Sheffield, my biweekly University commute was challenging, but fulfilling and somewhat useful as it helped provide a barrier between work and study.
I was also pleased with it's length - being a 3 year BEng degree, a sensible length without going on too long or being so tight that it was unfeasible to complete.

I have felt consistently and genuinely supported throughout my apprenticeship. My employer has always taken an active interest in me - not just as an employee, but as an individual. Their investment has gone far beyond funding my degree; they have encouraged my involvement in extracurricular training, development opportunities, and real project work that has meaning and responsibility.
One of the most valuable aspects of this support has been the trust and space to learn. I have been given opportunities to contribute to real‑world engineering challenges while also being supported when things were difficult or when mistakes became part of the learning process. This balance has helped me grow into a far more capable and confident engineer.
Regular 121 sessions with my line manager have been essential. I have always felt able to raise concerns, ask for guidance, or discuss challenges openly. The degree apprenticeship journey is demanding, and there were times when it felt overwhelming. Knowing I had people I could go to for help made a huge difference - it reassured me that I wasn’t alone and that I wasn’t going to let anyone down if I needed support.
Overall, the level of support I have received has been exceptional and a key reason I have been able to succeed and progress as I have.

I have received a good level of support from my training provider throughout my apprenticeship, even though my location meant I was studying at a distance for most of the apprenticeship. In the early stages, the support I received was variable - some lecturers were exceptionally engaged and made it clear that I could approach them with any concerns, while others were less responsive. However, the feedback systems in place, such as the personal tutor scheme, ensured I always had a route to raise issues and track my progress.
As the programme progressed, the support became much stronger and more consistent. In my final year especially, I received plenty of guidance and encouragement, particularly during the writing of my dissertation, which was one of the biggest challenges of my apprenticeship. The willingness of lecturers to provide feedback, meet with me, and help refine my work made a real difference to both my confidence and the quality of my final submission.
I also felt well supported personally - especially when lecturers offered kind and thoughtful feedback during my nomination for Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year. This demonstrated that they recognised my effort, progression, and commitment, even as a remote learner.

Now that I am at the end of my apprenticeship, I can confidently say that my degree has prepared me very well for my role. While the breadth of the course sometimes made its short‑term impact less obvious, in its entirety the qualification has played a fundamental part in shaping me into a more capable and well‑rounded engineer.
The programme gave me a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and develop core engineering competencies. Beyond the technical content, it significantly strengthened the soft skills that I now rely on every day - particularly report writing, project management, structured problem‑solving, and presenting to different audiences. These skills have become central to my day‑to‑day responsibilities, and I can clearly see how the academic work built the foundation for them.
My dissertation, in particular, was a major developmental milestone. The support I received and the depth of analysis required pushed me to improve the way I plan, communicate, and justify engineering decisions.

Yes

I would 100% recommend Siemens Healthineers to a friend. My experience here - both personally and professionally - has shown me what it feels like to work for a company that genuinely invests in its people.
From a business perspective, Siemens Healthineers offers meaningful, impactful work. The projects I’ve contributed to directly support healthcare innovation and improve people’s lives, which gives a strong sense of purpose to everyday tasks. The organisation values quality, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement, which aligns closely with how I naturally approach my work.
On a personal level, the support I have received has been exceptional. My managers and colleagues have always taken a genuine interest in my development, giving me opportunities to contribute to real engineering challenges while also providing space to learn, make mistakes, and grow. Regular 1:1s, mentorship, and a culture of open communication have been essential in helping me navigate the pressures of a demanding degree apprenticeship. I always felt I had someone to turn to when things were difficult.
The company has invested in my technical and professional growth - through training, events, development opportunities, and even supporting my dissertation and award nominations. Alongside that, there is a strong community atmosphere, with clubs, social activities, and networking events that make it easy to build friendships and feel part of a team.
Overall, I personally think that Siemens Healthineers is an organisation that cares deeply about its employees and provides an environment where you can learn, contribute to meaningful work, and truly thrive. For those reasons, I would wholeheartedly recommend it.