Degree Apprentice Review

As it is an apprenticeship I have done departmental rotations in all relevant departments mainly based on CNC machine operating/setting but then moving through quality department, FIP and laser engrave machine, CNC programming for 6 months each. I have recently had 4 weeks in HR where I have helped with the onboarding process for 3 employees as well as interviewing/assessing the next intake of apprentices. I am currently helping fill a quality role at another site and helping with the laser engraving machine jobs and will soon be doing sales with the CEO. Because I have completed most of the department rotations I drift between whatever is needed but my apprenticeship is based off CNC machine operating/setting.

Due the adaptive nature of the business decisions such as who goes into which rotation is usually made reasonable close to the time without a strict long-term structure.

Management are very receptive to feedback and apprentices communicating what they need.

My studies are through Aston university. The first 2 years are week release on site study but the last 2 years are online (I am currently year 4). There are a couple lectures that are very on top of email responses but it is dependant on which lecturer as the course head is poor at feedback and feedback to report/exam submissions is minimal.

The course has a large amount of work based projects and covers lean manufacturing and management principles.

Yes

It is dependant on what they are interested in and how they like to work but if you have a good attitude and proactive approach to growing and improving processes Geometric Manufacturing is very adaptable at investment in apprentices even if not directly related to the job. This is evident mainly through the variety of department rotations mentioned earlier