First Call Operative Review

On a day to day basis I follow an experienced first call operative on the job. He helps me to learn about the job and what I need to get experience in for future training, my end point assessments as well as for when I sign off and go out on the job by myself. I also have training weeks to attend and this involves going to different locations across the country and being trained on everything I need to know.

I have become a much more competent worksman and have developed my skills working with tools. Additionally, I have now got the experience and knowledge of talking to all types of customers which helps me both in work and in my day to day life. I have learnt a lot about the gas industry as well as gas itself. I now have a good understanding of everything my job will entail and what I can expect in the gas industry with Cadent or another company.

I have a lot of fun on the job and am enjoying every part as I move forward with my education and experience. I have settled in well with very welcoming staff at the company and everyone is looking to help me on the job. I enjoy the job also and the training is very intriguing and relatable to everyday life.

The programme is well structured and we have a plan for the two years already created and followed to perfection. One of our trainers left 6 months into the apprenticeship however minimal changes have been made to the plan due to this and a new trainer has been promptly assigned The hotels are almost always booked properly for us although we have had a few hiccups which occurred early on but have been ironed out.

I feel from the people in the company I receive a lot of support. Everyone is very approachable and I can talk to anyone about anything. I have had an abundance of help with my assignments when needed and also steady support to help me get the most from the courses I am partaking in. However, I believe that the company itself is looking to reduce our wages considerable below what we should be paid for the work and responsibility we take on out shoulders and also the amount of hours I will need to do when I sign off is very unfair. This is all under a new contract the company has set up to give to us and it will put a huge divide between the new starters and older workers who will remain on the old contract.

I have received a lot of support from my training providers despite the changes in personnel that there has been. Everyone who has come in has been very supportive of us and only wants the best for us in the future. Therefore they put a lot of time and effort into making it courses very helpful and educational.

The qualification and training is chosen designed specifically for our job. Therefore it is incredibly useful for the role. The training that I receive is always high quality and all of it is transferable to my normal job. The training provided gives me knowledge that I can take back to my job and use on the district.

There are some extra-curricular activities that I have seen on the company paper, the Patch. There is a football team and a few other sports teams however none of these are local to me therefore it is very difficult to get involved. I do not think I'd be too involved if there were more available though due to wanting to focus on the work I have to do.

Yes

I believe that it is a good job to be doing and a great career to become a part of. I haven't seen or heard of many other apprenticeships, especially in my area, that can set people my age up for a job for life and therefore I would be delighted if anyone I know was to join me at Cadent.

I think that doing the research in the company can be a big help in getting into the job but also just to show that you are a good candidate for the job. You need to show your commitment to helping the public and show your initiative to help the company reach its targets year after year. I believe if you do this, you're in a great shot of getting the job.