Manufacturing and Production Apprentice Review

Manufacturing and Production apprentice: Days can be split between being on plant and days in the office. As an apprentice NVQ is a qualification that must be completed within the 2 year apprenticeship. The plant experience is used to answer questions. Days on plant consist of shadowing operators and developing knowledge of the plant.

Since starting my apprenticeship I have learnt many new skills and developed existing skills. Plant base has taught me a lot of manual handling skills. Simple things such as correct lifting technique. My skills in IT have been developed on. Work pieces are completed on computers to create a tidy and organised look.

I enjoy this programme a lot. The work I am completing during my apprenticeship will help put me in a position to hopefully get a job at the end of the apprenticeship. The plant base work and academic qualification compliment each other and both are helpful. The programme is well designed and is highly recommended.

The programme is very well organised. From applying for the apprenticeship to being offered the job the organisation is of a high standard. College is an important part of the apprenticeship and the days we are scheduled to be in college are always convenient and fit well to the programme. Dates are given in advance and plenty of time to organise anything if there’s a problem.

There’s a large amount of support from my employer. There are many reviews in which take place to track my development. These reviews track NVQ, WEST, Plant experience. These reviews are conducted by my apprentice manager on site. My training manager at the Academy and someone from Bridgend College.

There is a large amount of support from Bridgend College and the staff at the Academy. We have many different lecturers that specialise in different areas. As we are a small group our individual needs are always met. Reviews are also used to track how close I am to completed a certain qualification.

The qualification is a set qualification and attempts to cover all bases across the site. Certain units are more suited to certain areas. For example testing of steel is difficult to complete when working in the heavy end. There are units that are relevant and helps me perform better in my role.

There are extra-curricular activities to get involved in at TATA. There is a social club called Magnet. This club focuses on aspects of the business. They also organise trips such as climbing Pen y Fan and also visiting other Steel works for example Ijmuiden. There are other social activities such as helping with Tata Steel Kids which covers triathlons.

Yes

Tata Steel is a big company in its own right and is a great company to work for in my time at the company. The qualifications obtained are useful in this workplace and also transferable to other jobs. The rate of pay is good for an apprentice and will put you in good stead for the future.

I would advise others to research into the steel making process at Port Talbot before going for interview. Apply hard work and maintain focus when completing work in college and on site as tests and job logs are important part of work. These will help complete competence assessments and NVQ.