Degree Apprentice Review

I am a Degree apprentice currently studying at Sellafield LTD. I have a on day release where I attend Gen 2 (Training Provider) once a week to attend lectures and study. On a day to day basis I am currently carrying out secretarial work along with assisting my colleagues with projects which are being carried out. I have to interact with my own colleges as well as external companies.

I have learned several new skills. Some of which I learned at a younger age at school/A-Level and continued to progress. I have learned how to use skills such as CAD and improved my overall knowledge of different engineering processes and systems which we used everyday at home and at work.

My programme is interesting as no two days are often the same and I am able to learn new skills and put them to the test everyday. Upon completion it will hopefully put me in a good position to continue with my personal and career progression. All my skills are transferrable between college and home.

My programme has been going through a transition therefore a lot of the time we have been left with what felt like little support. I was lucky that I was placed in an extremely supportive and helpful placement from the day to day working side but as for the apprenticeship programme side I have sometimes felt lost and unknown what is going on.

My employer has been supportive and has been able to provide me with lots of help and support where needed. Different courses are in place to help with personal and career development which should help me in the long run. Where I have had issues with college work I have always been able to be provided with support.

I have had contrasting support at times. Sometimes in certain modules and cases I have been extremely supported throughout and felt comfortable. Other times I have felt like I had to 'Fend for myself'. Struggling at times due to being uncomfortable towards how to approach getting support, it has been unknown whether the support and style of 'support' we were getting was for one actually there, and for two able to help.

I believe that some of the modules aren't suited to the pathway I am following where as some of the others are exactly what I will be using in my day to day job. I am able to perform better in my job by using skills that my qualification provides.

I am unaware of any extra-curricular sporting or social activities that I am able to get involved in at my work. I believe there is professional networking events that occur regularly. I would be interested in attending some extra-curricular activities but am unsure if any exist therefore are unable to.

Yes

I feel like it is a place where I can progress my career and skills in the engineering sector which I have wanted to do for a long time. I feel like I am on the right path and am able to fully meet my potential in the future years to come.

Always seek support of former graduates and apprentices and learn there stories and pathways. Sometimes you may not understand fully what future opportunities will occur and pathways may become open to you. Also do not be afraid in any circumstances to ask questions if unsure or stuck as you often improve and learn from mistakes and failure.