How do I become an engineering apprentice?

Find out more, and whether an apprenticeship is for you…

Taking up an apprenticeship is a great way of learning a skill or trade whilst earning. However, an apprenticeship isn’t right for everyone. To be an apprentice you have to be able to balance a busy working life with training sessions, project work, assessments and more. That said, you also have the advantage of the support of the company you work for – your company is investing in your future and wants you to succeed.

Rachel Hoyle, a Technical Engineering Apprentice at BAE Systems, the global aerospace and defence company, says: “The fact that my learning evolves around my job gives me a focus and a greater enthusiasm for what I do both in and outside the classroom. The application to real-life situations proves my learning is worthwhile and gives me a sense of achievement and appreciation of its immediate benefit.”

Personality

To be a successful apprentice, you must be very committed to both your career and to your training. Apprenticeships can last anywhere between two and five years – an engineering apprenticeship takes four years, so you must be sure it is what you really want before you begin. BAE Systems’ Education Partnerships Director, Richard Hamer, says: “The best apprentices are not afraid to work alone, in a team, or take charge of a situation. They can manage their time between work and studies effectively, and are aware of their responsibilities, both towards themselves and towards their company.”

Getting Started

Knowing where to start and choosing where to apply for an apprenticeship can be difficult. The best place to start is by approaching some local companies for work experience placements. This is an excellent way of ‘testing the water’ to see what day-to-day life in a company is like. Apprenticeships are very competitive, so showing your prospective employer that you have taken part in work experience will really impress them, and show them that you know what to expect.

Applying

Once you have decided you would definitely like to become an apprentice, there are two main ways you can apply. If you don’t have a specific company in mind, you can call the Apprenticeship helpline on 08000 150 600, where you will be asked to leave your details for an adviser to contact you about your options.

Alternatively, if you have a specific company in mind, you can apply to them directly. Most companies will be able to send you some information about the different apprenticeship options, and some will have a website you can visit – for example, BAE Systems apprentice website is www.baesystems.com/careers/apprenticeship.htm.

Joanne Mercer, a 4^th year apprentice at BAE Systems says: “The BAE Systems Apprenticeship has entitled me to learn new skills, develop old skills and has brought me into the working life. I now carry knowledge and experience from all ends of the aerospace industry that will remain with me throughout my career.

Further information

For further information about apprenticeships, visit Learning and Skills Council website for tips and advice. You can also speak to apprenticeship specialists here at the IET by contacting our member and customer service department on 01438 765678 or by email at apprentice@theiet.org.

Please visit BAE Systems if you’d like more information on their apprenticeship schemes.

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From the IET