Electrical Apprentice Review

I am an electrical apprentice and I am based at one of EDF Energys Nuclear Power Stations on the UK. We get set with our job on a daily basis for the day in the morning. It is my duty and responsibility until the job is complete to assist and learn from the technician I am working with to the best of my ability in order to enhance my technical understanding and skills and to ensure the job is completed as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Alongside the "on-the-job" learning, I have been undertaking a HND. Completing this course has demonstrated how much I have learnt throughout my time with EDF Energy, the assignments are based around our jobs, and further enhances our learning. I have noticed that my personal development has been enhanced, I have noticed my confidence levels have increased throughout my time. I have also been involved in many internal courses, on the wider EDF Energy business and then specific training courses like Negotiation training and entry to controlled areas training.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship with EDF Energy. The work is incredibly interesting, with the best part of it being spending three months on an operating site. I like coming into work and I am really excited to begin my full time role in August. I have had great opportunities to develop personally and professionally throughout my apprenticeship, and I would definitely recommend others to join the scheme.

The apprenticeship has a really good support system, with a line manager, attachment supervisor, mentor and sponsoring manager. This group of people are there to help aid development and recognise any good work. They send around any good news through the quarterly 'pipeline' review meetings and this gets recognised by the senior management in the department.

Very well structured. After the interview stages, there are various inductions for the course. The training in your first year leads on to your progression through the scheme with each year specifying your skills and knowledge in a well formatted way. I have reviews with my team leader and line manager every four weeks with twelve weekly reviews with an electrical mentor to look over my progression. There is a clear hierarchy and this leads to everyone knowing what they are meant to be doing.

I am happy and delighted with the support i receive. The supervisors are always ready to listen to any issues you may be having inside or outside work if it is affecting you in work. They will try and support you and find solutions to make it better for you.

The support we receive is as much as we feel we need to aid and assist with completing the course and is for ourselves to decide. If we feel we are struggling then flexible support is available to fit the situation but if we can cope without support then we can also be left to develop independently with support only when necessary.

I am happy with the pay i receive as it sseems fairly decent for a young apprentice. I can save whilst working and learning and have no student fees. My wage increases over the years as long as i keep up my work and stay on track with my education and electrical qualifications at EDF.

In the first years of the apprenticeship we get opportunities to travel abroad with the company to enhance life skills and develop our understanding of different cultures. In the last year of the apprenticeship we get more than enough opportunities to engage and interact with local communities to benefit both the company and local areas. We don't always get picked for international travel however there we can apply and hope for the best.

Yes

I feel they offer one of the most well designed and implemented apprenticeships in the company offering a wide range of opportunities for development and progression in both your career and life skills, enabling you to transition into a likeable, successful and skilled employee.

It is very important to show a good interest in the company and scheme to prove yourself to your employer that you have the potential to succeed and become a valuable asset to the company. it is also important from an academic and working efficiency to ensure you always stay on top of your tasks so not to fall behind at any stage and put any sort of doubt in the companies mind.