Higher apprentice Review

My role as a higher apprentice was to train up in various laboratory areas including analytical laboratory,spectrometry laboratory and raw materials laboratory. When signed off in each area I then worked on various projects in each of the areas. The role allowed me to gain a wide range of knowledge about the various testing carried out in the steel industry. After my apprenticeship ended I was given the job of shift technician. Over the next 10 years I have gone on to work in various roles throughout the laboratories, currently working as a shift manager.

I learned various skills including optical emission spectroscopy, gas chromatography, fractional distillation, tensile testing. Also the apprenticeship helped me with team working ,leadership and continuous improvement. I was able to undertake numerous courses while carrying out my apprenticeship which gave me a good base in order to further my career.

The programme was enjoyable as it was varied enabling me to learn numerous different roles, learning the skills needed for each job. Also I got to meet lots of people who helped in my progress. Also I enjoyed the numerous training courses that I was able to attend. It was great to work with like minded individuals and form part of a team.

The programme was well structured although things changed along the way so the structure was not followed rigidly. Most of the courses and learning modules were followed but the structure was made slightly more flexible allowing me to spend more time in certain areas carrying out projects. In following years I’ve seen the programme being followed more closely by other apprentices.

My employer supported me well through the apprenticeship and I was able to put myself forward for any courses not on the programme. Also at the end of the apprenticeship I was able to find a job very quickly. My employer has since supported me further my career in the company.

As I used a few different training providers I found some more supportive than others. Most training face to face I found better for example the course through Swansea university. However distance learning modules through open university I found less supportive possibly down to the lack of face to face interaction.

It helped me learn numerous skills required for the job and overall gave me a more rounded knowledge. Also the qualification has helped me in applying for other jobs since finishing my apprenticeship. I have used the knowledge through the courses continually through my career

I get involved in various social activities at work. I try and organise yearly trips myself for my current shift team. Also have been involved in works golf social competitions and surfing. Also attended a Christmas party with my family which was organised by Tata steel. I’d like to also volunteer for some of the tata steel triathlon events in the future.

Yes

I would recommend due to the varied job roles I have been able to carry out. Also tata encourages further knowledge and training even after apprenticeships have finished. There’s also a great social life involved in working for tata steel, with a work hard - play hard attitude amongst my colleagues.

Go into it with a positive attitude and open mind and be willing to work and learn new skills. If you go into it with this attitude you will have the opportunity to work in a number of different jobs. If you like a varied job that is pretty active then a career in tata steel is recommended