Energy Management Higher Apprentice Review

Throughout the apprenticeship we carry out placements in each department. Day to day in each placement we will take on work alongside experienced employees to learn how to complete different tasks. Being an engineering company if possible we will aim to work on one set project in each department so all the different department work matches up.

I have completed a level 2 PEO, I am completing a HNC in general engineering. I will complete a level 4 NVQ. Throughout my office working time I will undertake different training courses that are applicable. For example I will be completing an engineering base training.

The work I am completing in this current placement for project management, is fairly easy in terms of it is predominantly working with software such as Microsoft Excel, which I am already familiar with. However I have learned some technical jargon and now have a slightly better understanding of a substation. The team throughout the office are very helpful and friendly. All staff are happy to spend time answering any questions and assisting with tasks. The worst thing about the course is completing the HNC. I enjoy learning but the college we attend are unorganized and teaching standards needs improving, this did not meet my expectations.

My manager is very helpful. She is approachable if I have any concerns or queries, which I find very helpful. She always asks me to check a placement is going well and is happy to assist where she can. In terms of working within a team on a project, internally all staff treat me as equally part of the team. Externally I have only had a few situation where I was required to communicate with the customer. This has been ok.

The program is very well structured. We have had a timetable and explanations of how the timetable should be followed to ensure we are getting the most out of training. The only bad part about the timetable is when completing placements some I am still on two day release at college and I find this can sometimes impact getting office work complete. I think if I was only at college for one day throughout this time I may find this easier. For example my first placement is project management and I am not able to travel to site because of college. This should have been thought of ahead so that it did not limit my on the job learning.

Support form our college is ok. The college head of engineering is accessible to arrange meetings to address concerns. This has happened throughout the college course but I do not think that he considered all of the concerns we addressed thoroughly because we are still having some issues with organization. We do have a 'Course Leader' but we do not see him on a regular basis, however if we had any issues we know where to find him to try and get those resolved.

I have a manager who is keen to check I am doing fine when in the office. She also asks about college time to check there are no major issues. As our apprenticeship has placements so within each placement we are given a mentor. My first placement is project management and I find my mentor gives me support when required. He supports me if I have any issue completing work. General support ie. for lifestyle or something within this respect can be accessed through HR but I have not experienced this.

My salary meets my needs to live easily without having to budget extensively.

In our company we have a 'two days of volunteering' program set up to try and get all employees involved in events. Since being within the office for 2 months I have already taken part in an external event at local schools. So all company event are easily accessible. I find it more difficult as I have gotten older and left school to find opportunities to further my education - I.E public lectures in relevant studies.

Yes

The company is a good company. It looks after its employees and I would say most of the time does more for employees than most other companies.

Try and gain as much experience in a wide range of things, not just based on what you want to do as a job! For example lectures, travel, hobbies like sports, volunteering like coaching or tutoring or charity. I would say previous work like a part time job while studying and relevant work experience is valued when applying. Pretty much advice what teachers or websites will give you.