Technical Specialist Trainee Review

Operational Support. Any taskings within my team's area of responsibility can be tasked to me to resolve, these can range from simpler tasks such as creating aids for workers, to more complex projects such as reviewing inventory for our area of responsibility prior to a tri-annual review of the area.

My ability to communicate with others has improved as I am now confident to work with others and pursue information more than I would otherwise have been. Additionally, my ability to balance my workload has improved, as I am finding it easier to ensure all the work assigned to me is completed on time if not ahead of schedule.

I have enjoyed the program so far greatly. Albeit that I was somewhat apprehensive when I initially started, the team I have been assigned to have helped me to settle in well and have treated me as an equal despite having only recently begun in the workplace. The workplace has given me a sense of belonging better than that of previous employment which I have been involved in.

The employment side of the program is well structured, as I am involved as any regular worked would be. I have access to any support required and feel confident to ask for further information or assistance. The educational side of the programme is relatively well laid out, however I feel that the length of time we have for the education side of the program (1 day per week) is slightly insufficient and makes it hard to receive adequate support should I not understand anything. Additionally, communication between my employer and my training provider could be improved, as I discovered that medical information I communicated to the education team during a bridging course for the scheme was not communicated to my employer whatsoever.

Full support from my employer. The team that I currently work for has been incredibly understanding of my situation- as I have other medical needs which they were unaware of initially- and have continued to do so. I have access to all of the work site support (such as for mental health and other welfare support) as well as team-mates who have helped me with issues I have had with some of my education work

Due to the short nature of time spent at the site of the training provider, it is hard to receive direct (i.e. face-to-face) support from the training provider. However, I can email my tutors in order to obtain any required help if needed and if needed there are drop-in sessions weekly when I can attend the training centre to receive further support.

As yet, my qualification has not had any relevance to the work I carry out- my qualification is an Engineering degree, and my work so far has not involved designing engineering systems etc.- however I believe that as my apprenticeship progresses, the skills and abilities I will learn through my training provider will become useful, especially in regard to my final-year plant-based project.

There are social activities available to be involved in at work, such as nights out or "race night" socials in the local area. However, due to my location- I live around 50 miles from the workplace- it is seldom practicable for me to attend these. There is also a charities group who arrange events such as sponsored fell walks to raise money for charities such as MIND.

Yes

The hours can be unusual and demanding- especially in the event of a long commute such as mine- however the support available for the company is unlike anything I have ever had access to. Additionally, my colleagues and superiors are incredibly approachable and friendly and have gone out of their way on several occasions so far to help make me feel more comfortable in the workplace.

Consider moving closer to the site itself- the Whitehaven area is reasonably close- and be prepared for a different working routine to what exists in most other workplaces. Additionally, good people skills are useful as often a task can be made far easier if you know someone with the skills or knowledge to assist. Don't be afraid to ask questions, as most people are incredibly approachable and will either be able to help you directly or will know someone who has the relevant information. It is far preferred that you ask questions than carry anything out that you are not confident in doing, or that you don't understand fully.