Apprentice Team Leader Review

As I am an Apprentice Repair Engineer our day to day duties involve working on Gas Mains and services, whether that be fixing leaks with clamps and drilling and sealing joints, to relaying new gas services and mains in PE pipe. I also liaise with customers and members of the public on a daily basis.

Since starting my apprenticeship with Cadent in September 2018 I have been on thorough training courses ranging from tools used on the job to health and safety courses. I have also been on technical training courses relating to gas regulations and the installation of gas systems. I have also improved on current skills such as my communicating skills due to these being used on a daily basis.

I thoroughly enjoy my current programme as there is a lot to learn which keeps me busy and on my toes. The training is second to none and is taught by experts of the industry. Each day is different and you are always learning new things and meeting new faces which is great!

The programme is very well structured and organised as you do most of your training at the start of your apprenticeship. Then you work on patch for roughly 20 weeks which really helps to gain experience in your job role. All training dates are provided at start of course so that you are fully aware of upcoming training.

I have received great support from Cadent Gas. Starting with my mentor we have built a great relationship over the past 8 months and anything I am unsure of they sit down with me and explain until I am happy. Secondly my Line Manager (Glen Speakman) and Programme Manager (Tony McAvoy) have been extremely helpful and assist me with any needs. Lastly my Assessor (Earl Bell) is also a great assessor and very knowledgeable and really pushes me to my full abilities.

Again Support is given by training providers by giving out feedback reports after each course taken so you can highlight any queries that you may have or feel needs adding to the course. Practical and written exercises throughout courses which I find extremely helpful when working in a classroom environment

The End qualification really helps to perform better in your role as all the training provided and knowledge in theory sessions you can put into practice when out working in the field. Refresher courses are also used to keep operatives up to date on any new regulations involved in your job role.

When I started my apprenticeship three months in we had to attend a team building experience up at Aberdovey in Wales. Activities involved were 10km hike into mountains, rock climbing and ab sailing and kayaking. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience as I got to meet fellow apprentices from Cadent completing the same and different courses from myself.

Yes

It is a Great career with the opportunity to progress. The training provided is excellent. Interesting and challenging career. Fellow work colleagues are very helpful and will always be of assistance if possible. Good benefits such as my choices, Flexible hours, salary sacrifice car schemes and the apprenticeship has a great rate of pay.

People applying I would recommend have a real desire for engineering. Must have good communicating and leadership skills as these are used in a day to day basis. Must have patience as some of the work activities are a lot more technical and time consuming than others. Must also be willing to work in adverse weather conditions.