Quality inspector Review

My role as a welding inspector apprentice involves shadowing welding inspectors checking weld set ups, welding parameters, material certification, carrying out non-destructive testing such as dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspection to indicate if a weld is correct to a standard set. I also, report this in a format so I have evidence of what I have carried out and if the weld passed or failed visual inspection etc.

I have gained a qualification in dye penetrant inspection (level 2),magnetic particle inspection (level 2). This is a course that was provided by lavenders over 6 days. I am also on day release to Energus to carry out a HNC in mechanical engineering. This is over 2 years and I am nearly finished now. I carried out units in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, welding technology, welding inspection, QBI and design.

I enjoy this programme because I get to move around the company and venture into different departments. I have spent time with an outside supply chain contractor, radiography, asset care, major projects and safety inspectors. I enjoy seeing all aspects of the department and I enjoy the carrying out the HNC as I understand other topics.

This programme is relatively new so not everything was organised for us before we came, this was resolved in the first year. The structure is as follows: First year- at gen2 learning welding technologies and carrying out welding Second/Third year- move work placements and gain knowledge in each department Fourth year-carry out end point assessment and interviews displaying all the skills we have learned over the 4 years

We have a training mentor who asks for us to fill feedback forms out and this is a document that isn't shared with anyone and it shows what we enjoyed about the placement and if there are any issues he will help us and guide us. We receive support for training if we are struggling.

When working towards any work based qualifications we receive support, when we were due to carry out our Non-destructive testing exams we had a week with an inspector to run through any issues and struggles we have. This helps us if we are worrying or stressing as we can go through exam questions etc.

When I gained my dye penetrant inspection qualification and my magnetic particle inspection qualification I was then able to carry this type of inspection when I am out on plant. This helps me gain real life experience as I am qualified to do so. This helps me stay confident when I carry this type of inspection.

There aren't any extra curricular activities, there is a student council that you can join (only 2 members of the apprentice can join per year) they talk about any issues we have but there's no sports teams. the council could be seen as a social activity. This takes place once or twice a month.

Yes

I would recommend this company (Sellafield Ltd) as I am gaining a HNC and inspection qualifications all for free so this allows me to earn and learn as I get paid monthly and I don't have to pay for any of the training that I receive so I am not in debt. The company also offers support if needed which is a positive.

I would tell others to revise for their aptitude test to ensure they pass and get an interview, I would say to learn background information about the company to use in the interview to show that they have a keen interest in the company and information about the job they are applying for. I would also say to try hard to achieve the grades needed to apply for the job and carry out practice interviews before they go to the main one/