Higher Operations Apprentice Review

Firstly I am involved in the morning meeting where the previous days work is summarized and a forecast of the day is discussed. Then I will usually head out on to the plant to assist in different jobs such as shoveling, fixing items of the plant that have broke down, or assisting in other maintenance jobs. I will then perhaps watch and control the plant to ensure that everything is running well and that there are no issues. After lunch I will do much of the same previous two things or I will operate the weighbridge. If there is a meeting going on, I am often invited to be involved also.

I would say that my confidence has improved lots as I now often discuss issues with senior members of management which used to intimidate me. I have improved my problem solving skills a lot by understanding the way machines work and how they can be fixed. My communication skills have also improved a lot as I am regularly engaging with members of staff throughout the company who work in different sectors.

When I first began I was based more in the weighbridge which I did not enjoy as much as being outside and doing something more engaging, however it did develop my knowledge of how the plant worked. I now enjoy the programme very much as I can solve issues on my own and can pass some of my knowledge on to others. Now that I am 6 months in to the apprenticeship I feel as asset to the company which I like.

The structure is not as I expected as I believed that I would be moving around on a strict 6 month basis between different sites. However I am enjoying more being able to move to different sites as something of interest is happening there as I am still learning lots at Alrewas and feel like I have the right people around me to teach me more about processing plants and quarrying. The university scheme and MP Skills scheme work well alongside each other as well and it is always clear when you have work due.

I receive lots of support from my employer. I am often out working on site with one of the 8.1ds that work here and they have been a great mentor for me as they have a very good knowledge of the plant are keen to get me involved rather than watching. I have regular interaction with my manager and the area ops manager as well and they are always happy to give me opportunities.

Derby university supply us with very good booklets to learn from and use for writing our essays. I feel that the university sessions so far have not been the best and often don't help that much when it comes to writing your essays. I have asked one question to our University course leader and he didn't help with the issue at all. The MP Skills course we do to gain our SHE Level 4 NVQ makes sure you have a comprehensive understanding of health and safety at work and the assessors are normally fast to respond and helpful.

Some of the information I have learned so far at university has been applicable, however at the moment, the on the job aspect of the apprenticeship has taught me much more and I apply what I learn at work to jobs I complete on the plant. The health and safety qualification I am gaining is helping me to spot issues at work that can then be reported and resolved.

I have been invited to take part in D of E and the company always attend the local Alrewas show where we engage with the locals and update them with what our future plans are. This is is pretty much all I can recollect, however I am happy with it.

Yes

The company clearly wants to promote its staff and develop them which is why I would recommend a friend. I have already recommended one of my friends for a position here as there is the chance to gain knowledge and climb the company ladder. The staff at Alrewas have also been very helpful and I have learned a lot from them.

I would encourage they do it, the interview process is different to other companies and you feel like they are actually assessing you as a person rather than just if you tick the boxes and have good grades. There are plenty of experiences and opportunities available that can develop your skills and the company are normally happy to send you on them if they relate to your job. I was happy with how the job was listed/ described.