Precision Machinist Review
at AWE
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering, Manufacturing, Material and Mineral Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Tadley
Review Submitted: April 2026
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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
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
The role mainly involves practical work in a workshop environment simulating what would actually be done after the apprenticeship, with very little admin work to be done outside of this time. Work is mostly engaging and varied, although can start to drag on as the apprenticeship develops.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Ostensibly I find the work to be very interesting and at times can feel like days and weeks fly by. Like all jobs, however, it does have its slow points which can feel like forever and can lead to boredom.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I entered the job knowing nothing about machining or engineering but I wanted to expand my realm of knowledge and I feel the apprenticeship has done a perfect job to provide me a space to learn and develop my skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It provides both an organised set of jobs that need to be completed, but it also gives the apprentice the freedom to choose what jobs to do and when to complete the assemblies. It provides a good development of personal responsibility from full time education and helps build personal skills.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employers are extremely well trained and knowledgeable in their field of work and have helped me gain the skills I have today.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
They are excellent at outlining the requirements of achieving our qualifications and will happily provide clarification if anyone is unsure.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It allows me to perform better in my role as it gives me a fundamental understanding of all machining functions which then can be translated to the real workplace. Failure is seen as an excellent opportunity to learn and re develop risk awareness and judgment skills.
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
AWE has many different societies and groups with likeminded people. Similarly, there are many sports events publically announced by people that cover many areas so nobody feels left out.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AWE to a friend?
Yes
Why?
AWE is an excellent environment for skill development as they provide a method of learning that is both engaging yet extremely rewarding. Accomplishments whilst working here feel tangible and give people the motivation to go above and beyond.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AWE?
Be open to learn and be prepared to make mistakes. Most importantly be yourself and be kind to others and try to talk to as many people as possible.
