EC&I Designer Review

My role involves creating and producing electrical CAD drawings, as well as updating drawings that have been red-lined on site and need to be amended. There are a few different types of electrical drawings, so it is important that I take care in deciding on what one to choose, depending on what I need to detail and where the drawing is to be implemented on site.

The main knew skill that I have learnt is the ability to use CAD. This is because I had no previous exposure or experience to CAD before starting my apprenticeship. This wasn't a problem, however, as my manager understood this, and set me up with a bit of training as well as teaching me as I went along and I began to pick up the skills and software very quickly.

I very much enjoy the programme that I am on. It's very interesting and there's always something knew to be learnt that helps you to develop yourself and your progression through the apprenticeship. I enjoy coming to work as it's a great way to put my college knowledge to the test.

At the beginning of the programme, it was not structured all that great. I would only be in college for a couple of hours a day and I wasn't performing any engineering operations. However, Cavendish would listen to our complaints and set them straight very quickly my pushing out training provider. As it stands, my programme has had a significant improvement and it flows smoothly and I learn a lot from college and PEO.

I receive full support from my employer whether that's during college or during work time. Occasionally I have a bit of time in the office to work on my college work if work is light in the office, or if I'm struggling on a piece of work for site I know I can ask for help and I will get it without causing a fuss.

As the programme has gone on, I have received more and more support. At the beginning it was very minimal due to only being in for a couple of hours, but now I am in full time (8-4) and I have lessons all day, as well as being able to seek help from a teacher whenever I need it.

I feel my qualifications help me to perform well in my role as what I learn is easily transferrable into my work. I can use the knowledge that I have gained so far to help me answer questions I wouldn't normally have known prior to starting my apprenticeship scheme.

The extra-curricular activities I get involved with at work are STEM Ambassadors. This involves going out to different institutes, primary schools, high schools, colleges etc. to try and influence the younger generation to think about and get into engineering. I have been an ambassador for around 18 months and have been to around 10 events in that time.

Yes

Cavendish Nuclear is a great place to work at because it is understanding and rewarding. They are very supportive in my development both in office and in college, and will always look to boost my performance and get the best out of me, as well as feeling a sense of achievement when completing a task.

My advice would be to know why you want to work for Cavendish Nuclear, and visioning yourself working your way up the ladder. From my experience, it's more about you as a person than your ability to do something (to an extent) so it's all about just being natural and yourself.