Nuclear CS&A Degree Apprentice Review

On a day-to-day basis I receive work based on civil, structural or architectural engineering. This includes completing new drawings, updating old drawings as well as performing calculations for different scenarios dependant on what is needed. One day a week I attend college to complete my HNC/D in Civil engineering.

Yes, I have learnt many new skills since working for the company most of which has been expanded upon my own knowledge or from what I've learnt in college. Included in this are technical skills as well as personal skills, time management skills and communication skills. Working as part of a diverse team has allowed me to build my confidence with speaking to new people and understanding the different roles within the company.

I enjoy my programme as it has helped me develop my skills and knowledge more than I expected. I have kept a log of all the different things I have done and look back at my progress. Everyone I have worked with or have been given work from has been very helpful and understand my circumstances and the criteria for my programme. This has then helped me to stay calm and complete my work to my best ability whilst progressing in my role.

The programme is well organised although there has been some issues. This is because there have been different scheme taking place at the same time. The college aspect has caused more issues than work itself. The programme does take a lot of time up but does work into my job effectively giving me flexibility with the work.

I receive a lot of support. This include monthly meetings with the apprentices and co-coordinator where I can discuss any issues as well as keep up to date on progress. My line manager is very helpful and has developed the work I do around my programme for my apprenticeship. The people I sit with and work alongside are also very supportive.

The training provider does provide support although not up to what I would expect. I have had issues with lecturers in the college about assignments which count towards my qualifications as some lecturers have not been useful/supportive. There has been some confusions with what is expected from myself to achieve my end goal.

My qualification through the provider has helped me perform better as I have a good baseline knowledge of civil engineering. I have however learnt more in work to do with civil/structural engineering than what I have learnt in college. Completing the HNC/D will allow me to become an incorporated engineer with the ICE and allow me to progress onto my degree which in turn, will lead towards full chartership.

Each year the CS&A apprentices organise a team building activity for the first year apprentices to introduce them to the other apprentices and make sure that there is always a friendly face. The company also gets involved with a lot of charity events such as helping out in the local community or raising money for a chosen charity.

Yes

Since working for Sellafield Ltd. I feel like I have become part of a large family. The work can be difficult at times but in general, there's always someone who will help you to achieve your goals. More than anything else, you feel valued as an apprentice. You're taken seriously and your voice matters. This has helped my confidence a lot. As a young female engineer it could be difficult to be taken seriously. At this company, I am never doubted and always encouraged to push myself further even if I don't believe in myself. Another great this is the people you will meet. With the company being so big, it may seem easy to get lost but everyday I will walk through the canteen and see someone I know.

My advice would be to be yourself and show what you're passionate about. As its largely engineering, taking part in extra activities to do with this will be beneficial such as becoming a student member to a professional organisation or attending STEM events or for example if you're interested in civil engineering, attend ICE events. The company is not biased and treats everyone equally, so don't be afraid to be you.