Manufacturing Apprentice Review

I am a part of a small team that operates plant equipment and computer control systems in order to mass manufacture crop protection chemicals. Everyday I follow procedure for the manufacturing of chemicals, ie set routes for transfers, and do lab analysis for batch sampling. I take part in discussions when problems arise to see how we should progress to make see we make the most product safely.

I have learnt how plant equipment and control systems work through on the job training with experienced personnel and at college. I have developed my lab and problem solving skills through on the job training. My chemistry understanding has been developed through college and discussions with those who have specialist knowledge in the field.

I enjoy this programme thoroughly. It's interesting due to the amount of project and problem solving work you can get involved in. The mixture between on the job training and being at college gives a good variety of training. Having various placements on-site gives you an appreciation of everyones roles and gives you helpful experiences to take away for the future.

The programme on-site is well organised. I have a yearly plan so I know what placement I am on therefore I always know where I need to be. I have clear deadlines for my NVQ which I need to meet and if I am struggling I get adequate support. For college I know what exams I am working towards however exam dates aren't always clear.

I receive adequate support for my apprenticehsip. We have mentors where if we need help we can ask an older apprentice to help out. If we are struggling to meet deadlines with our apprenitce work I can talk to my boss and will get advice with how to proceed to get me back on track.

We have regular meetings with our employer to update our progress and highlight any areas to improve/need support on. We also have regular meetings with our NVQ assessor where we can set deadlines and get support if needed. We have on-site training which gives us knowledge that can help us pass our exams.

The qualification through the training provider gives me the theory and knowledge that I might not be able to access on-site that I can apply in the work place. It is a more rounded learning experience by having the theory learnt at college and the practical aspect at work. Some of the teachers from the training provider also used to work in the industry making their insight more useful.

There are occasional events organised by the company such as footgolf, bowling or chairty football matches. I can get involved with apprenticehsip events that showcase the apprenticeship to those interested and to school kids who want to get involved in STEM subjects. For apprentices we get to enhance our learning by having weeks away doing team building and training exercises to develop the right work behaviours.

Yes

Syngenta is a company that prides itself on its apprenticeship progam and therefore you get amazing support throughout to help you on you way to becoming fully trained. You are paid a great salary, you are guarenteed a job at the end of the program providing you meet your targets and get a level 3 qualification to your name.

Become familiar with the industry and what type of work is carried out. Learn about how to work safely and think of times where you follow a set of instructions in order to complete a task. Think of times you may have carried out a formal or mental risk assessment to get an appreciation of the line of work carried out on-site.