Science Dome Apprentice Review

In my company I am part of the office and support crew. I mainly deal with incoming bookings for public events and support our presenters on school and public events.

I have developed my organisational skills, and built upon them with my involvement in public events. I have also undertaken a manual handling course since joining. I have improved my personal skills when working with clients, co-workers and the general public, and have also improved my skills and understanding of business administration.

The programme of work that has been set is fair, and easy to accomplish. Some of the questions could be worded better to allow for an easier understanding without clarification, but my assessors always do ensure i have support where necessary to ensure i am giving the right answers. The work is varied and ensures i am covered a wide basis of information, ready for the assessments.

When i responded to this question, it just says 'How valued do you feel by ?' If this question is asking if i feel valued by my work, then yes. I feel very valued and trusted as a member of the company. I receive recognition for any tasks i complete for the company, and have been given more responsibility in a very short time. If the question is asking if i feel valued by my training provider, than partially. My original assessor did not seem to value me much, as she had too many people to handle. This meant i was handed over to another assessor. However this new assessor, as well as my third assessor who has just taken over from her value me a lot more, and offer me more help. The overall training provide however also does not seem to value you me much, as they have recently used work i provided to them for one purpose, for other purposes without my permission.

My programme is very well structured. I have been set regular tasks with enough guidance and time to complete, and they are then followed up with assessments every month. This has ensured i have been able to work through all elements of my course at a good pace, with adequate time to fully complete all tasks.

My original assessor did not provide me with much support. While the actual work load was fine, there was multiple times where i asked for assistance with how to answer a question, and was simply just sent the answers rather than clarification. However once i had my new assessors they took more time to just explain the questions, rather than just giving me the answers.

My employer provides me any support i need. They have provided me with a set time every week to devote to my work, as well as offering their help if i ever need guidance or a second opinion on a question or the answer i have given.

My salary covers all of my costs that need to be covered, as well as providing a very fair wage for my age and the work i put in.

I have attended and assisted on a few events outside of normal work, as well as a company conference. There are good opportunities around where i work, including a sports club where i am now a member.

Yes

Apprenticeships are a great way to build skills while working for a company, building up life skills while receiving training in a chosen field or aspect of business. I would, and have, recommend apprenticeships to a number of my friends who didn't think University was right for them.

When applying to an apprentiship, ensure that it is somewhere you can travel to, and that you won't be expected to go half way across the country for extended periods of time unless you are able to do so. Ensure the company you are applying too is what you want to do, or something you are interested in learning to make sure you've chosen the right course. Understand that you will start out in the small sections of the company, and will be given the lesser jobs to begin with. Don't expect to be instantly doing what you want when you first join. Make sure you look presentable and relaxed during the interviews, and that you know answers to questions they may ask about the company. Also make sure you know what the course you will be on actually entails, with the workload you will be undertaking and any assessments.