Degree Apprentice Review

My role at work is to organise tasks to both be designed and delivered on plant, this involves interacting with stakeholders, holding meetings and completing documentation (plant modification proposals and risk assessments etc.). My role covers various plants on the Sellafield site so involves interactions with a multitude of different people from different disciplines, including contractors.

I have gained skills in the production of various documents, this experience has been gained through completing E-learning courses, attending classroom based courses, speaking to experienced personnel and practicing the production of the documents. I have also developed communication skills whilst in my job as I have to communicate with a multitude of people in various ways (meetings, emails, phone calls etc.).

My programme has three different elements, they are work based experience, degree work and apprenticeship portfolio work. I feel that the work based experience is the most beneficial and enjoyable. The degree work is very varied, some is interesting and enjoyable however there are elements that seem to be not worth while.

The programme is structured so that 4 days a week I am based in a work placement and 1 day a week I attend university (during term time). There is little structure within the work placements, it varies between placements and line managers. I am currently on my 4th placement within two years, however there are others on the same programme that are still in the same placement as when they started.

I receive a lot of support from my current line manager and placement lead, I also receive support from the departments degree apprentice coordinators. However, there is little support available from the degree apprentice leads within the employer. Support is very varied within placements as in previous placements I have received less support.

Lectures are usually supported, however, there is a lack of feedback provided regarding exams and assignments. There is also often a lack of support provided regarding the distribution of notes and powerpoints from lectures, this makes revision difficult. It varies between modules, however there is sometimes a lack of revision material provided, past papers and practice questions etc.

The modules that are completed at university are very varied and many are irrelevant to my current role, however within the company there are many roles available so the information may become useful in the future. I feel that there is very little benefit from the completion of the apprenticeship.

There are a few activities that are available to get involved with at work, these include STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) activities working with local schools and colleges. There is also a union group for people under 30, there are various workshops held by the organisers of this group that are often beneficial.

Yes

I would recommend the company as there is such a wide range of job placements that can be completed within the company, there is also the opportunity to engage with a lot of different contracting companies, broadening networking within the area. The degree apprenticeship scheme is a good idea in theory, however there are slight changes that could be made to improve it.

That there are many different disciplines and places of work within the company providing the ability to move around fairly easily, this is very useful for apprentices who are trying to work out exactly what they want to do in the future, if there is something in particular that you know you want to do make it known and someone will try and make this possible.