Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by 3M UK?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend 3M UK to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to 3M UK?
Working in a lab to carry out experiments and also in the office to write out the procedures and other documents. I also have to go to college on a Monday for a course in applied science to complete the apprenticeship. The role is a Laboratory Technician and this is working in the Hard Goods section, this is working more on the physical side of products rather than the chemical side.
Developed my understanding of experimental processes and controls in place to ensure that procedures are carried out as they should. The split between the lab and office also means an increased amount of IT knowledge and the writing of reports has developed my skills in literature and maths (more on the statistical side).
I enjoy this programme a lot more than my college years doing A levels and looking back at my final years of A2 I am glad to have chosen the apprenticeship route rather than university. Working here has been nice for meeting new people and fitting in was very easy.
My management here are always keeping updated with me and giving feedback, they don't give unrealistic tasks to me and are always making sure I am fully qualified and able to do the new tasks they give me. Being an apprentice I am not treated any differently and given opportunities just like everyone else.
Structure of my programme is very well planned as college is separate on the Monday meaning getting the College side done has been no hassle what so ever and the NVQ work is very easy to do over the time as there are many chances to get it done over the weeks at both College and at work. Tasks given to me are always followed up by my supervisors/mangers so if I ever struggle there is very little delay in carrying out my task/project. Meetings are regular, often discussing planning for the month or just a 1:1 with managers to discuss how I am doing.
My training provider is very good, I only have to email them to get a work visit or help on College work. The work from them is on a fair deadline and is very easy to keep ahead. The Tutor I have is very supportive of my time here.
I receive plenty of support from my employer and couldn't really ask for any more. There is no problems with them helping me out at work and I feel at ease to go to them with any problems I am having.
The salary is realistic at this stage of life and covers my travel costs just fine. The company are good for covering any travel costs that occur due to long distance travel if I ever have to do that.
There are company events etc. to go to if I wanted and activities. There is an event at Christmas for all employees to attend etc. whether you are permanent member of staff, temp or apprentice.
Yes
Good career to get into and considering apprentices are hard to come by in science areas it is a good opportunity for those who like that area.
As far as the application process goes it is very relaxed and should be understood that it is there for them to get to know you and not to put you on edge really. As far as being told things about the apprenticeship it wasn't bad at all, everything I needed to know was told by my provider SEAC who 3M use for the apprenticeship.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Science
East Midlands
February 2016