Advanced Technical Apprentice Review
at Cummins
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Darlington
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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
During my apprenticeship I would rotate around the different departments within ETO. This could range from office based roles to hands on roles. Typical rotations last a couple of months and as you progress further into your apprenticeship you will see a shift in the lengths of rotations to allow for you to pick up projects in these departments and fully see them out.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoyed my apprenticeship as it gave me a chance to see what I liked and didn't like as much. This is very handy as when it comes to looking for a job, Cummins will do their best to locate a role in somewhere you would like to work. It has a good balance between working and the learning aspect with New College Durham.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Cummins has taught me lots of new skills, these include technical skills as well as soft skills. We had apprentice meetins bi-weekly and within these meetings we would present learnings to the group and this definitely helps with improving presentation skills as well as teaching you how to speak within a group.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well structured. There is a full plan for where you will be each month of your 4 year apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer supported me very well from work to college. I had regular 1-1 meetings with my manager to discuss anything.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The college would provide taught lessons that included relavent content to complete assignments. I also had a review meeting with my college assessor and my manager every 12 weeks. Within these we would score ourselves on KSBs (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours) as well as come up with some SMART targets to be completed in time for the next review.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The HNC in mechanical engineering was very relavant and helped with certain aspects of the 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
We would occasionally organise social activities outside of work. We would aim for one every quarter but sometimes this may not happen.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cummins to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Cummins has provided me with lots of new skills and provided me with a wealth of knowledge. I'd say I am a much more confident person than I was compared to when I first started.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cummins?
Be yourself and have a good interest in engines/engineering.
