Operations Support Review

As an apprentice I am part of an operations support team within my company, this involves things such as writing instructions, sometimes managing modifications and working with a variety of people and other companies. I attend meetings about various subjects and get involved in different projects around where I work.

Since the beginning of my apprenticeship I have developed lots of new skills such as teamwork skills, time management and independence skills. In addition to this I have been on lots of training courses covering managing projects, control of hazardous substances and working safely courses, which have developed lots of skills I had.

I enjoy my programme thoroughly as I am getting work based experience and networking with a range of people within my industry while also studying and getting a degree. I am getting a accredited qualification and the skills I will need to get a full time job at the end of my apprenticeship.

The organisation of the programme I am on is average, this is due to the fact that the communication between my training provider and the company I do my placement for is lacking in some areas and there isn't a full understanding of what is expected from each of these two sides. This is slowly getting better as the apprenticeship goes on,

I receive support from my employer if and when I need it, there are things such as unions within the company that I work for which can provide support or my colleagues or line manager. As an apprentice we have been assigned a mentor that works outside our area so if the issue is internal we can speak to them if need be.

If I am struggling for time for college, or it is exam periods coming up I can have time to revise or do some college work whilst at my placement if I really need it. The training provider assists by putting on support sessions for those who are struggling and revision sessions near to exam times.

I feel that my qualification will benefit me in the future during my role as it will help me understand some of the more complex systems I may deal with in the future and have a basic knowledge and understanding of the engineering of things. However my qualification has not yet helped me perform better in my role.

There are some awards events/ evenings that happen at my company that some people may get invited to. There is also charity groups and fundraisers organised within the company where people come together for quiz nights or bake sales etc. to raise money. There are no sports teams that I am aware of.

Yes

It is a very good scheme, and the company will help you succeed and gain the necessary qualifications skills and experience you will need to progress and to get to where you want to be in the future. During my apprenticeship I have built lots of new relationships with people I have met.

It may take a while to get settled in and used to and the acronyms and some of the technical language, but it will eventually make more sense. Make sure that engineering and nuclear if definitely the field you want to go into otherwise you will not enjoy an apprenticeship with this company.