Rating

8.7/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • My role mainly involves visiting 3-4 homes a day to upgrade peoples old meters to smart meters. As well as fitting smart meters we deal with keeping old meters working, repairing faults and replacing them when required.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • The provided training lasts 19 weeks at a British gas training facility then carries on for a year whilst working in the field. At the academy you learn about working with others and how to deal with different types of customers as well as the gas and electric exams which you must pass.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience from day one, being given a brand new van, tools and uniform. Also a hotel is provided mon to fri and fuel and food covered. Had a great time meeting new people and socialising with colleagues whilst in the hotel.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Centrica?
  • Feel very valued and appreciated by my coaches and manager. They are very supportive and always on the end of the phone if you need them. There are regular meetings where we discuss how everyone is getting on and managers always thanking you for the hard work.

    9/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • At first due to the course being new was a bit up in the air for the first week as nobody knew what was going on. Possibly just my academy...? After the first week everything started coming together and we started to train and learn about the job properly. Everything was very well structured and days were planned out in advance. Plenty of support from trainers who were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.

    9/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Our trainer was very good and we all had his contact number and email incase we had any problems. If anyone was struggling or having a had time with exams the trainers would help them, give them extra one to one time. they were very supportive.

    9/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Lots of support, if you ever need help or advice there are coaches floating about in the area who can give you advice or come help you on the job. Also all engineers in your area have a social media chat app and can all stay in contact and help each other out that way. Although we work on our own it doesn't actually feel that way.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • The training wage wasn't great starting at 12k for the first part of the training, then increasing to 18k after 19 weeks and finally after a year to 25k. As you are not really spending any money if you are staying in hotels all food is paid for, so money isn't really that much of an issue. If you have a mortgage and bills to pay then it might be a struggle.

    7/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • Our patch have regular nights out which help for team bonding. But apart from that, not much is going on in our area. I know other parts of the company do charity events and do volunteering. We are actually in the process of setting up a weekly 5aside football team.

    7/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Centrica to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Just because they have looked after me from the training at the beginning to where I am now. I don't know many companies who provide you with a brand new van, tools and uniform on the first day and 19 weeks of hotel and food paid for. I have a pension and shares in the company and feel this is a great secure job and a great trade to get into.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Centrica?
  • Go for it if you want a trade but not sure what field. You will gain a qualification in electric and gas being multiskilled will benefit you in the future plus British gas are always looking to upskill good engineers to help them be even more qualified. Interviews are very informal and the interview was more of a chat with a mate then a interview with a manager. very laid back and friendly staff throughout the interview and assessment days.


Details

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Engineering

South East

March 2017


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