Technical Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis my role consists of using software called TEKLA and we use it to detail structures containing columns, beams, bracings, etc. Detailing a structure in my role involves adding connections to the structure to ensure that when the structure is being put up it will stay up and not collapse or weaken. Also in my role I ensure that the drawings that are produced by the software are correct and readable so that when the drawings are to the factory to assist them in making the beams, connections, etc. they will be able to understand them and create the correct piece. I am in the office 4 days a week and in college/university one day a week were I attend my HNC in Construction and the Built Environment.

During my time undertaking my apprenticeship the biggest skill that I have learnt is how to use TEKLA because when I first joined the company the only design software I had used before was Auto CAD which is similar in some ways but different in ways too so expanding my knowledge of different software was a big skill I learnt. A skill that the programme has helped me develop is my problem solving skills as it has taught me to open up and think of multiple ways to achieve the end goal. I also feel that the programme improves your general skills such as confidence and team work as you are working in an professional environment with a team to complete the work that has been set.

I do enjoy the programme that I am undertaking because it allows me to progress through my qualification while gaining experience in the working environment at the same time. Gaining experience while completing your qualification does help a lot as there has been a number of times I have used the experience from the office whether that being what someone has taught or something that I have learnt myself in my assignments at College. Another reason why I enjoy the programme is that it gives you a sense of responsibility and even though you work in team you still feel responsible for the job you are working on which then pushes you to do the best you can.

My programme is well organised as they know where you should be on each day and what your progress is in work, and in your studies. One of our training providers Alliance Learning come into work every 6 weeks and have reviews with the apprentices which covers how well you are doing, the progress that has been made since the last review, any targets you want to complete and if there any problems then can they help you to resolve them. The document that is produced during the review will then be shared with the necessary people so that they are aware of your progress and everything else that has happened in the last six weeks. In regards of training they are also organised and well structured as they organise a variety of different training sessions which allows us to gain knowledge and experience, whenever training has been planned they will let us know way in advance.

We do receive a good amount of support from our employer as they will check up on us to see how we are doing and on the ways being the review as stated, but we also have meetings with our employer so that they can check up on us and see if we're still enjoying it, can anything be changed to help our experience, if there is any problems and informs us if anything is going to change. If we are struggling with anything then our employer will help us whether that being to do with work or any other reasons.

We receive good support from our training provider as well as our employer as they are always there to offer advice and assistance with any work that needs to be done, if you are struggling with any work and you aren't in college then you can email your tutor and they will give you advice and help via a phone call, email or document that is put onto the college's student portal on the internet. They also give good feedback on your work so that you know how to improve it in the future.

Since starting my programme I have taken on a series of qualifications/courses and my main one being my HNC which will allow my to progress onto my degree, but also a level 2 fabrication and welding course which has given me an understanding on what goes on within the factory and when designing something on TEKLA can it be made by the workers in the factory. I have also taken on a CAD course which refreshed my knowledge on it as it can be used to create some drawings, and ICT course to make sure my skills are up to date and TEKLA training to show me how to use TEKLA which is a main part of my job.

There is a number of extra curricular activities to get involved in at my work place, there are a number of social activities such as the summer BBQ, winter ball, bowling, cricket and many more. There are also a football team that you can get involved in were they take part in tournaments against other works.

Yes

I would recommend this programme to a friend because it offers a variety of benefits, one of the benefits is that you're learning while working at the same time which to me is a big benefit as I think you progress quicker compared to just going to College or university. The programme is beneficially as you will meet a lot of new people which some you will work with and get on with, you also learn a lot more as you learn from others in the workplace and pick up helpful tips. All the qualifications and courses are provided and are suited to you so that you wont be doing anything that isn't required for your career goal.

The advice I would give to others applying for this company would to be confident, show that you are interested and passionate about what you want to do as a career because employers like it when an applicant knows what they want. When applying for the company don't be afraid to say what your hobbies are and what you find entertaining as an employer will look for someone with the correct skills, etc. but also like to know what you are into and what you enjoy as they can gain a better understanding of what type of person you are.