Material Science Higher Apprentice Review

A large part of my role involves attentive attention to detail in order to identify any potential errors that are made. This requires concentration and the ability to recognise patterns ad find anomalies. When mistakes are found I then carry out an investigation using several different sources of data which requires a good knowledge of the computer systems and data that we use in order to understand and fix the root cause of an issue. These investigations can involve several people internally and externally from other departments when actioning the solution as the data is present in several different areas and several people may need to perform specific tasks to help fulfil the solution. I am often involved in different projects which involves very large volumes of data which needs to be read and organised in a certain way and so these projects require problem solving, organisation and logical thinking and the ability to assess your own work to ensure its accuracy and relevance.

I have developed existing skills such as communication through the need to collaborate with colleagues from other departments. I will also work with colleagues from my own department to find the approaches and solutions which best address the challenges we face in work. My digital literacy has improved hugely since starting my position and I am now familiar and confident with a range of software. I have also learned to read and write visual basic code for excel in order to complete a project I was tasked with.

I enjoy my programme greatly. I can see the value it has to me both professionally and personally, I'm gaining great qualifications and invaluable working experience and knowledge whilst personally I am benefitting from being around so many people with so much experience and expertise. I am learning things which an academic course alone would not be able to teach me through the wisdom and accumulated knowledge of my colleagues. There have been some challenging times where I am set a task that is entirely new to me, I have had to learn fast in order to keep up but ultimately I think that benefits me as well by making me more resilient and adaptable.

When I started my programme it was essentially freeform but during my time here the department has started to legislate and organise the training programmes used to teach new employees. This has allowed me to work towards goals and ensure that I am fully trained in the different sections of the department. Regular reviews are held to assess my progress and allow me to comment on my feelings about the programme which helps with the structure of the course and allows us to keep on track by regularly checking in.

I receive as much support as I need in work, I have never experienced a situation where support was not available to help me complete a task or just to hold a conversation. If my managers and mentors have no time for me at the present moment they will make time further on to ensure I am attended to.

During lectures my lecturers are patient and helpful when answering questions. Sometimes I have found it difficult or not possible to get in touch with my lecturers outside of lecture (via email) which can cause problems with a once weekly college day. We are also supposed to receive a regular review with our NVQ assessor but this has not been consistent due to constraints on their part

Most of the actual course content does not pertain to my role. It is only through more general skills such as digital literacy, organisation, presentation and communication skills helps me to perform better in my role as I can apply these skills in a professional environment. I have picked up some knowledge which I went on to use directly in work.

I am a member of the Magnet society for young professionals of Tata steel which regularly organises social events for member of the organisation. these socials can be tourist trips, nights out or sporting events held in a variety of locations. The group also helps members professionally by arranging networking events to meet people outside of the department. There are even opportunities to meet more senior members of the company all the way up to the CEO in order to gain experience and advice and to make your name well known within the business. Foreign trips are available to visit customer production sites or other areas of the business which provides me with the opportunity of international travel whilst improving my technical and operation knowledge.

Yes

I have already learnt a lot in my short time with the company, I can honestly say I am a better person for having taken part in this business. I am looking forward to potentially starting a long, stable and rewarding career with the company doing work I enjoy in an excellent company that will appreciate my hard work. I know other apprentices or people in full time positions cannot be so sure of their future but the steel industry provides a job for life for most people as well as being intrinsically interesting to anyone with an interest in science or manufacturing.

One thing my managers have made clear to me is that they appreciate my ability to express myself both during my job interview and in my role. Eloquence is important as often we are dealing with complex issues but expressing yourself is also important, especially when you are not happy with something, my mangers and the company in general have been very receptive and have made it clear that they respect me speaking my mind, this is not a company that will ignore you.