Electrical engineering apprentice Review

We have to maintain the sites utilities, this is to make sure that everything is running safely and properly. We also cover break downs not only on the utilities side of the factory but we also have to cover the production side of the site for breakdowns which means that if something is stopping production we will be part of the team that ensures it is fixed quickly and properly

I have learnt plenty of new skills in and around engineering. Skills such as testing and inspecting electrical gear to allow us to fault find and test the gear is working safely. I have also gained skills around installation. not only installation of domestics such as lighting but also industrial such as motors and panels.

The programme is enjoyable, I have joined a team that are all extremely friendly, we spend a lot of time on new jobs meaning that I very rarely get bored or just do the same jobs. We are allowed to express our views if we don't agree something and we will be treated like any other member of staff would be.

The organisation was a bit rough at the start but that was because of half of the factory shutting down. the college wasn't set properly but after discussions with us to make sure we got what we wanted it was all organised so that everything we needed was in place

we always receive support from our employer. They will always offer us time to catch up with college work if it is needed. If they feel like we are struggling with a certain subject they will offer us extra support so that we are comfortable and getting the work done to the best of our ability

Crawley college (now part of the Chichester college group) are always giving support with work. They do constant check ups on us when we are doing our assignments to make sure we aren't falling behind or struggling. If they gauge that we are struggling they will give us extra help so that we are up to scratch.

Almost everything I do at college is related to my role. A lot of the things that we cover are things that I work on daily and come up very often. All of the assignments cover aspects of the subject that are related to industry which therefore makes them easier to understand.

We spend a lot of time doing STEM events and recruitment events allowing us to network with younger students to give them an incite on how the industry works. We also do an apprentice event yearly where all the apprentices meet up from around the country and take part in team events meaning we can all network.

Yes

GSK has given me so many opportunity's to expand my skillset and knowledge around electrical engineering. They have also allowed me to explore and try different roles within engineering so that I get a good understanding of the whole sites engineering structure. They treat all of the apprentices like they would do any other member of staff

Make sure you are confident and back yourself. Have a good work ethic and be really interested in gaining new skills and trades. Be flexible with the areas you are willing to work in and don't be negative have a positive view on everything and be willing to get involved with anything.