Quality Degree Apprentice Review

As a Quality degree apprentice, I'm involved in various tasks. This could be reviewing records and strategies, planning for and carrying out audits or surveillances during construction or plant visits, monitoring key performance indicators or working in collaboration with the supply chain with regards to things such as inspections and investigating whether products/services are right first time and fit for purpose.

Alongside work, I'm currently studying for a plant engineering degree and taking subjects such as maths, electrical, mechanical, statistics, nuclear and Quality related topics. I haven't done most of these subjects before so I have definitely learnt some new skills with regards to these modules. Moreover, I have developed my public speaking skills at work as have been part of various presentations regarding work I have been involved with.

As part of my programme, we rotate around different areas of Quality. I have had many secondments including being a part of the decommissioning and major projects team, as well as some time in an engineering team. Whilst I enjoyed these placements, I very much enjoy my current secondment with the Quality Capability and Strategy department. Moving around has allowed me to see what areas I enjoy the most and where I would like to work in the future.

I go to work four days a week and I am released to college one day a week for my degree. My degree course is very structured, I choose modules each year and there is a clear programme in place for these. My apprenticeship at work is well structured, however there have been last minute changes in the past with placements due to organisational changes.

My employer is very supportive of my apprenticeship and degree. They work with me to ensure that my tasks can meet the targets required for certain modules and that I am given as much help as possible. Additionally, they are supportive of extra activities I do, such as STEM ambassador and professional membership events.

My training provider does give us a lot of support. Our lecturers help us a lot with our academic modules and offer extra sessions each week to help us with anything we may struggle with. We also have guidance from degree assessors who help us with the apprenticeship qualification and show us what we need to do to complete it.

Although many of the plant engineering modules may not help me directly in my role as a Quality professional, completing them allows me to have a wider knowledge of engineering issues that I may come across at Sellafield Ltd. The Quality modules are directly related and enables me to see how I can put the theory into practice during my daily tasks.

There are many events to get involved in. I am a STEM ambassador which means I can promote my apprenticeship to primary and secondary schools and encourage pupils to take STEM subjects. I am also involved with professional networks such as the Nuclear Next Generation and Women in Nuclear, this allows me to meet people from across the business and the supply chain to share common practice and knowledge across our industry.

Yes

The apprenticeships offered by Sellafield Ltd allow students to work full time and gain qualifications, this allows us to gain practical experience that goes hand in hand with our lessons. Due to it being a large company, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities but it is also possible to have different secondments to see how other areas of the business function.

It is extremely important to know about the nuclear industry (past, present and future), Sellafield Ltd's mission for decommissioning the site as well as the legacy challenges facing the company in the years ahead. It is also important to show a questioning attitude as this is something emphasised in the nuclear industry.