Maintenance Engineer Review

My job role is to maintain the paint shop. This includes preventative and reactive maintenance tasks. Preventative maintenance includes completing schedules and condition based monitoring. An example of a daily schedule is to carry out maintenance on h frames. This includes checking the collector brushes for wear and checking the h frame is level.

I have learnt how to read drawings and interpret the information they contain. I have learnt how to recondition sealer regulators, spray guns and double diaphragm pumps while using drawings to aid the task. I am continually working on my confidence and the apprenticeship has helped me improve this considerably.

I enjoy the days when I am given guidance by my supervisor and given a specific person to work with. However, this rarely happens so I find I struggle to learn as I struggle with confidence when it comes to asking for help. College was average but sometimes I find it hard to link the information leant at college to my job role.

The apprenticeship programme is poorly organised on the whole. While at college, you could be told on the Friday afternoon via email that you are going to be working on site the following Monday. You should be given an accurate timetable detailing these facts from the start of the year. In my experience we were given around four revised timetables in one year as it wasn't correct initially.

My current supervisor is good and checks up on me regularly. I am the type of person who needs a lot of guidance so I appreciate this. My ITM is also good, he responds to emails in good time and ensures I have something to work towards when I have meetings with him to discuss progress.

When working towards my qualifications at college, I received little support from my tutors. It was mostly down to the individual and liaising with peers. Now it comes to my NVQ, I was given a thorough induction and have had follow up meetings. I am awaiting feedback but I understand there are lots of students to look after.

College gives you the basoc knowledge needed to start working in your department. While been at work I have tested motors and wired up circuits to drawing so the information taught at college has come in useful. I also find the introduction into basic tool and equipment use has made it a little easier to get on in the workplace.

There are extra curricular activities available, such as presenting to audiences who hope to apply for an engineering apprenticeship and interviewing students. However, I personally have not involved myself in these. Some of my colleagues have attended these events and had a positive experience as they can discuss the apprenticeship openly and honestly.

Yes

Honestly, the money is excellent. I have found that it is a good place to work as the people are welcoming and willing to help you learn if you ask for it. Everyday is different so it's good if you like a varied job role, you are also constantly learning and there are plenty of opportunities to develop.

I would say to make sure you know what you are applying for before submitting your application. When I applied, it was very open so I had no idea I'd be doing maintenance. Make sure you are willing to work three shifts as this is often part of the job role.