Higher Apprenitce Review

As this is the final year of my apprenticeship I have now chosen what area I want to specialise in, I have chosen Project Management. As a project manager I cover various project, all of which have different challenges. In order to understand what is happening in the project and the risks involved I need to: Keep on top of trackers and update schedule; issue Task Order Forms (TOFs) to other parts of the business; be in constant contact with the key stakeholders in the project; when a problem arises, find the best way to solve it through working with the correct people.

During my 4 years as an apprentice with Babcock I have learnt a huge amount of skills and developed skills that I had previously so I am now a competent and effective member of the team. Examples of skills that I have learn are: understanding legal documents; completing technical documents; understanding technical drawings; using CAD; milling; turning; fitting; estimating production processes; solving engineering problems; understanding quality; negotiating; scheduling; risk management; team leadership.... the list goes on.

I have greatly enjoyed this apprenticeship programme and every day has brought something new. As with every job, there have been ups and downs over the past 4 years, but the vast majority of my time has been highly positive. I would highly recommend the scheme to everyone that is looking for an apprenticeship.

Quite well structured. We know what we need to do, but it is not always mapped out to us in the best way. For example, you have a number of competencies that you need to meet for different areas of the business but not every team can meet all of these objectives or at some points there is not the work going on.

I have received a huge amount of support from Babcock. They have provided me with a huge amount of support and have pushed me to complete as much as possible to further my career. They have treated me like a proper member of the team in every placement that I have been in.

The level 4 NVQ that I am completing is not tailored for my work place and there have been a number of issue to try and complete every section that is needed. Our assessor has been very supportive throughout the process and has helped us when he can, but the NVQ itself is really a waste of time as it does not further our understanding or help us in work.

As stated above, the Level 4 NVQ does not help us to perform our role in any way at all. The qualification has been written by someone working in a college with no thought of people in the work place. A lot of the points that you need to hit are almost impossible to meet in the work place.

I am involved in a lot of STEM events and have got involved in a number of sporting events, such a touch rugby and 5-a-side football. I am also involved in the IMechE and the APM. I have taken part in the APM Challenge and have attended a number of events put on my the APM.

Yes

It is a great place to work where I have learnt a lot and have made friendships that will last a lifetime. I have been given a massive head start in my careers, not only do I have 4 more years experience than someone that went to university, but I also have been given the opportunity to complete a degree and a lot of other qualifications.

Research into the company, what we do and our company structure. Also, complete plenty of work experience in the relevant areas to show that you are enthusiastic and committed to working in an engineering environment. Try to attend our work experience weeks, this will give you a better idea of what we do and how to get onto our schemes.